CORNERFLICK
Mauricio Pochettino has told his United States squad to approach their last-16 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina as if it were a World Cup final.
The USA face Bosnia on Thursday morning local time in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, with a place in the last eight at stake. As the host nation, they will look to use home support to move one step closer to the tournament’s final weekend.
Pochettino opened his pre-match press conference by apologising for his sharp tone after the USA’s 3-2 defeat by Turkey, a result that did not affect their standing after they finished top of their group.
He had previously questioned why reporters had not praised his side for winning the section, but said he had been frustrated and upset after the loss. He also stressed the need for calm, telling his players that focus comes from staying composed.
Pochettino said there is no margin for error in knockout football and that, if the USA get through, the next match will bring another final-like test.