The 2025 CONCACAF Nations League Finals are being somewhat eclipsed by the ongoing political friction between the U.S. and their rivals Panama, Mexico, and Canada, a result of various contentious remarks and actions by President Donald Trump.
Canadian sports enthusiasts have already shown their displeasure by booing the American national anthem during the recent 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament and Toronto FC’s 2-1 home defeat to Chicago FC. It’s evident that these tensions could potentially seep into the matchday atmosphere when the USMNT squares off against Panama in the semi-final, with the prospect of facing either Mexico or Canada in the final.
In the run-up to Thursday’s semi-final, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino was questioned about whether the tension has affected his players and if it had been on his mind ahead of the game.
“I was talking now because I found on the pitch Jesse March (Canada’s head coach) and we were talking in a very good way, we are so friendly because we know from Europe and I think we cannot mix political scene with the sport,” Pochettino clarified.
“In my career, it’s not because I don’t want to talk, I have my ideas, but I think I represent not only my country but the U.S. Soccer Federation and only I need to talk about soccer and I think we have qualified people that can talk about political but I am not an expert in politics. I have of course my idea, 53 years old, okay, but I think it’s not the point for me to mix.”
Instead, Pochettino emphasized his dedication to dominating Panama on the pitch, saying, “When I say we destroy it’s in a sporting way, we want to beat them, we want to win the game and I think motivation cannot be from different political problems, diplomatic problems that we cannot be involved.
(Image: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Playing cannot be involved in there, cannot sink in there, we need to play for us, we need to feel proud to defend our flag and our badge, we need to play for our country, but always on the pitch, trying to be better, to beat the opponent and I think I think it’s a big mistake if we talk about politics because I think people are not waiting for us to talk in this way.”
Pochettino then clarified that though his aim is to keep his focus on soccer rather than politics while serving his role, this doesn’t mean he lacks personal convictions or values. He also referred to the historical friction between his native Argentina and his second home, the U.K., as an instance of how he consciously separates the realms of soccer and political discourse.
Pochettino emphasized his journey from Argentina to his new home in the U.K., insisting on steering clear from mixing controversial issues, saying: “You know very well that I came from Argentina and all that happened in between Argentina and in the country now that is my home, that is the U.K., and also you know to mix all this situation never was my way.
“That is why please we need to enjoy because soccer and football is about having fun for the fans, to enjoy happiness. It’s a great possibility to see four countries, four teams that are amazing with amazing players, with amazing coaching staff, amazing coaches.
“I invite the people to come and enjoy the game because I’ve seen it’s a very, what is for me the best game in the world, soccer.”
While Pochettino prefers diplomacy, Canada manager Jesse Marsch has not shied away from controversy, especially concerning Trump’s stance on America’s neighbors from the north. The ex-USMNT player openly criticized the former president, arguing against the notion of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
“If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest, and most loyal allies,” Marsch openly declared.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
