Pochettino focused on building World Cup momentum ahead of Australia friendly

Mauricio Pochettino has re-emphasised his focus on building towards next year’s World Cup ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Australia in Commerce City.

The USA, who automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup as a host nation alongside Canada and Mexico, were held to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador last time out.

Pochettino’s side have won five of their last nine outings (D2 L2), as they look to gain momentum heading into FIFA’s flagship international competition next summer.

Overall, the former Tottenham boss has overseen 10 wins from his 19 matches at the helm (D2 L7), with four of his seven defeats coming in consecutive games.

This will be just the third time the two sides have met, having registered a victory each, with the Socceroos running out 1-0 winners in their last encounter in 2017.

MD-1 in the mountains. pic.twitter.com/mFAQnGaKvW

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) October 13, 2025

“My answer is; we played well against Ecuador, so it is a good opportunity to keep improving, and show a different approach to the game,” Pochettino said.

“Maybe we need to change the system, change the players. It’s about building something for the World Cup.

“Tomorrow it’s about giving the players the opportunity, so that they can say ‘be careful, because I am knocking on the door and I can also be there in the World Cup’, but there may be changes, and we may change the shape.”

Tony Popovic’s side, who have also qualified for the World Cup, are on an unbeaten run of 11 consecutive games coming into Tuesday’s friendly.

“Progression is progression, and when you feel the progression it is good. Tomorrow is going to be a different game,” Pochettino added.

“Australia is a team that is very aggressive, and they came from a very good run of games.

“They are more solid in their ideas, and I don’t believe that they are going to change in the way that they are going to play.”