Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dempsey Changes Tune on Mauricio Pochettino & the USMNT

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 3:31 PM ET

The USMNT is in one of its best phases since Mauricio Pochettino took over more than two years ago. As the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup on home soil, Clint Dempsey has expressed growing optimism about the squad’s potential.

Dempsey was part of what many consider the best USMNT generation, featuring stars like Tim Ream, Tim Howard, and Landon Donovan—all of whom played for top Premier League clubs.

Now working as a reporter and broadcaster, Dempsey remains close to the action even after retirement. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, former players and legends are hopeful that the USMNT can finally deliver a deep run and truly compete for the title—something that has never come close to happening before.

Furthest the U.S. has ever gone in the tournament was the semifinals in 1930, one of the best finishes by a non-UEFA or CONMEBOL nation (matched only by Morocco in 2022).

Now, with what could be the most talented generation yet and solid momentum from key friendly wins, Dempsey is excited about the future of the USMNT.

“I’m starting to feel more optimistic, man", Dempsey said after the game against Ecuador. "I’m starting to see this team look more dangerous. For me, a big thing is what I see in the attack, and that’s moving in the right direction.”

Clint Dempsey Changed the Narrative for the USMNT

After the game against Ecuador, both fans and players were encouraged by the level of competitiveness and talent the USMNT showed on the field. Despite the 1–1 draw, the team impressed—especially considering they played most of the match without several key players, including Christian Pulisic.

The overall mood was much more positive this time around compared to their performance against South Korea just over a month ago, when the USMNT suffered a disappointing defeat.

''God help us. If the United States had to qualify for the World Cup, I’m not sure they’d get the job done,'' he said in Man In Blazers Podcast.

Mauricio Pochettino still has several matches to fine-tune the squad before the World Cup debut. By the end of the year, the USMNT will face Australia (October 14), Paraguay (November 15), and Uruguay (November 18).

Beyond that, the team is also in talks to schedule friendlies against major European sides, including Portugal and France—two of the World Cup’s host nations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: