Pochettino: USMNT can't be complacent after 2026 World Cup draw - ESPN

WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino said his objective over the next six months is to continue to improve the squad and «show full respect» for its World Cup group-stage opponents.

Those opponents came more into focus on Friday with the holding of the draw for next summer's World Cup. Joining the U.S. in Group D are Australia, Paraguay and the winner of a playoff involving Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia and Türkiye.

— World Cup predictions: Group by group takeaways, must-see games
— How the U.S. matches up against group-stage foes

Türkiye, currently ranked 25th in the latest round of FIFA's rankings, is the favorite to advance. And although the U.S. defeated Australia and Paraguay in recent friendlies, Pochettino noted there is still plenty of work to be done.

In a team in which he has tried to create a competitive environment where no one's job is safe, Pochettino stressed that nothing can be taken for granted.

«I think in the next six months we need to update everything,» Pochettino said in the post-draw mixed zone. «We know them but they know us. The most important is the evolution, and keep improving, in all the areas, for us, like a team. To be sure that in our [play] I think we will be stronger than today.

»That for me is the objective, [be] better and show full respect to Paraguay and Australia and the fourth that we are going to find out about in March. Yeah, I'm looking forward. I am optimistic. Before, after I think looking forward, the World Cup, the most exciting moment for us that to arrive in our best condition."

When asked if he was happy with the draw, Pochettino insisted it wasn't a case of being happy or not happy.

«Always when you walk in the door, you wait