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Pressure on, Pochettino
World Soccer|April 2025
Mauricio Pochettino faces his first big test as US head coach with the finals of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League
- JAMES NALTON
Pressure on, Pochettino

The nations of North and Central America and the Caribbean continue to prepare for the football bonanza taking place on their shores during the next two summers as the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League reaches its finale just as the 2025 Gold Cup begins.

The Nations League finals coincide with the preliminary round of the Gold Cup where 14 more teams bid to qualify for the tournament proper this summer. Seven of those will join the nine that have already secured their spots in what is also a chance for teams to make their mark ahead of these flagship tournaments.

All three 2026 World Cup hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States, have already qualified for the Gold Cup thanks to their Nations League performances. They now get the chance to add some bonus silverware in the Nations League finals.

This mini-tournament will be the biggest test yet for new United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino. It is his first chance to win a trophy with the team, and the expectation will be that he does so.

This story is from the April 2025 edition of World Soccer.

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This story is from the April 2025 edition of World Soccer.

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