Major League Soccer

·19 June 2026

By Charles Boehm

SEATTLE — “Balance is key in everything. I believe the team has found that balance now.”

These were the words of Mauricio Pochettino, speaking in Spanish on Thursday to reporters at the home of Seattle Sounders FC, which has been renamed Seattle Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His comments came a day before the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) take on Australia in a crucial Group D encounter, a contest likely to determine the group’s top spot (3 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock).

Initially, the USMNT’s thoughtful head coach was reflecting on the importance of keeping his team composed and “not getting carried away by the euphoria of hearing how well everything went,” following their emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match last week in Los Angeles. That triumph, however, was tempered by uncertainty over star playmaker Christian Pulisic’s fitness after he sustained a knock in that game.

“That was a strong performance, and we have to carry that over to the Australia game,” said Sounders and US midfielder Cristian Roldan as he and his teammates trained at Husky Soccer Stadium, his former home ground from his NCAA days at the University of Washington. “We can’t be overconfident, because this is a team that can play, that is very aggressive, vertical, and defends really well.”

Pochettino added, “It was simply a result that created positive momentum. We’ve realized we need to focus on ourselves – competing against ourselves and striving to improve. At the same time, we take note of and pay attention to each opponent.”

The idea of “balance” has become something of a guiding principle for the American side under Pochettino’s tenure. After months of experimentation and adaptation, the team appears to have found a tactical and mental equilibrium, refining both their approach and their competitive edge – qualities they will need against a determined Australian squad that is riding high after an impressive 2-0 win over Türkiye last weekend.

“Australia is so huge in the way that they play, but for me, it’s the mentality, the mindset, and the belief,” said Pochettino. “They are a very strong team, really believing in what they are doing. When we played against them in Denver [last October], it was one of the most difficult games we had in this entire period until now.

“We need to match their aggressivity and that mentality, the mindset that makes them very dangerous,” he continued. “We need to believe in the same way that they believe if we want to compete, because they compete really, really well.”

Their previous encounter last autumn, a 2-1 comeback win for the US, was remembered for its intensity and physical play. This week, some media exchanges between the two nations have added spice to the buildup, with discussions around whether the Socceroos have been underestimated by the hosts. Yet, the players themselves have remained composed ahead of the game.

“I expect it to be a tough game,” said USMNT wingback Sergiño Dest. “I don’t think it will be a nasty game, but a tough one. I think they’re physical, but we are physical as well, so it will be tough for them and tough for us. But it will be a great game.”

The home side will look to draw strength from their passionate supporters in Seattle, long regarded as one of North America’s footballing hubs. The Sounders have consistently attracted some of Major League Soccer’s largest crowds since their debut in 2009.

“I’ve told them that the city is ready, that the city is energized,” said Roldan. “We haven’t had a game here in a long time, and we’ve been desperate to host a World Cup and a US men’s national team match. They’re going to feel the crowd, feel the energy, and it’s about feeding off it.

“When I think back to MLS Cup, the [Concacaf] Champions League final, and the Leagues Cup final, the tickets sold out within hours. And when you think about this game, this is probably the biggest football match Seattle has ever hosted. So I’m excited for the city to come out and show their energy.”

The Americans will also need tactical balance to unlock Australia’s disciplined low-block defence through precise passing and movement, while avoiding vulnerability to the pace and skill of attackers Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Touré, and Connor Metcalfe on the counterattack – “arrows in front,” as Pochettino described them.

“We need to play on the edge of the line – not crossing the lines of the rules,” he said, referring to his team’s need for controlled aggression. “[But] to try all to be very close to this thin line that allows us to take some advantage.”

Although USMNT appearances in Seattle have been relatively rare over the years, Pochettino himself has fond memories of the city. Twelve years ago, he took charge of his first match as Tottenham Hotspur manager here – a 3-3 pre-season draw with the Sounders.

“Amazing,” he recalled. “I saw the atmosphere and the people, and then I heard that they are very passionate here. Yes, I’m looking forward to tomorrow, to sharing a great night together – I hope with a good result and a good performance.”