It’s been a international break to forget for the USMNT.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side began the week with hopes of a trophy but ended it with two disappointing defeats in the CONCACAF Nations League.

After winning four consecutive matches under former Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG coach Pochettino, the USMNT have suddenly been plunged into a crisis.
Last Thursday a last minute goal condemned them to semifinal defeat to Panama, and that was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Canada in the 3rd place playoff.
15 months before they host a World Cup, Pochettino and his players now face intense criticism after being unable to defend the Nations League title they have won for the last three tournaments.
For one legend, enough is enough.
Former USMNT captain Landon Donovan did not hold back when ripping into the team.
“I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for,” Donovan wrote on social media.
“If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s!%* about playing for your national team, decline the invite.
“Talent is great, pride is better,” wrote Donovan on X after Sunday’s loss.”
Donovan’s criticism comes amid the USMNT’s roster being dubbed as the most talented for generations and despite the slew of elite players, they are yet to impress under the direction of Pochettino.
Donovan’s post immediately drew the attention of USWNT icon Carli Lloyd, who quoted her fellow international with the addition ‘They don’t make em like you guys anymore! #differentbreed.’


Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie was quick to dismiss the idea the problem lies in talent or tactics but in temperament.
“We know we can play better,” McKennie said.
“It wasn’t that we didn’t have control of the games that we played in. But at the end of the day, Panama and Canada just seemed like they fought a little bit harder than us.
“That can’t be the case, especially moving forward, especially with being a year away from the World Cup.”
Mexico claimed the Nations League at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, beating Panama in the final, as the US finished fourth.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper matt Turner pointed towards the lack of energy being the reason behind results.
“There needs to be a minimum expectation of intensity, of fight, of passion,” Turner said.
“What we had to do was clear and we weren’t able to execute it consistently over 90 minutes in both games — you know, critical errors, critical mistakes, guys not taking ownership in big moments.”
The result raises questions for the US program as Pochettino is yet to deliver on the vision of expansive and attractive football, fans expected from him when he arrived in September 2024.
Time is limited, but Pochettino retained a sense of perspective when discussing the losses.
“I think everyone saw and felt that after Panama and Canada, there are things we need to improve a lot,” Pochettino said.
“I think we need to approach the games and the camps in a different way. But I say there’s still a lot of time to the World Cup.
“Now it’s time to be calm, analyze the last two games, and then, like I told the players, be sure you’re ready.”