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Mauricio Pochettino wants everyone to calm down. Ahead of the USMNT’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, the Argentine coach made it clear his squad isn’t buying into the favorites narrative, even as the host nation prepares for its first knockout-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A 3-2 loss to Turkey on June 29 left a visible mark on a team that had been cruising through Group D. Pochettino even apologized publicly after the defeat, a move that tells you the result stung more than the final standings might suggest.
A European-sized problem
The USMNT carries a 0-6 record against European sides under the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, who took the job on September 10, 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are not exactly a European powerhouse, but that record hangs over the squad. The Turkey loss, which came after the US had already clinched the top spot in Group D, only amplified concerns about whether this team can compete when the opposition wears European colors.
A 4-1 dismantling of Paraguay opened the tournament. A 2-0 win over Australia followed, securing first place in the group with a match to spare.
The crypto angle at the 2026 World Cup
Kraken and Chiliz have both secured sponsorship positions tied to the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Fan tokens, the bread and butter of Chiliz’s ecosystem, tend to see activity spikes around major tournaments.
What this means for investors watching the intersection of sports and crypto
For investors in Chiliz’s CHZ token or those with exposure to platforms like Kraken, the USMNT’s tournament run matters more than it should. A deep run by the host nation means more eyeballs, more engagement, and more potential users funneling into crypto ecosystems. An early exit means the spotlight dims considerably for the North American audience these companies are targeting.
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