Mic’d Up: The former USMNT midfielder breaks down the team’s revival, Pochettino’s culture reset and what he expects from next summer’s World Cup.
There was a point earlier this year when just about everyone had questions about the U.S. men’s national team – and those questions came from a very real sense of anxiety. One year out from the World Cup, the USMNT simply didn’t look ready. After an embarrassing CONCACAF Nations League defeat, a new-look squad walked into the Gold Cup amid debates about passion, desire and team culture.
Dax McCarty was among those asking the same questions. A former USMNT midfielder, McCarty didn’t reach that level because of elite athleticism or technical gifts; he earned it through heart and intelligence. That’s not a slight – it’s the truth. His 13 caps and nearly 18-year MLS career were built on being sharper and more determined than almost everyone around him. And in recent years, he’d watched a U.S. team that seemed to be losing those qualities.
That’s no longer the case, from his point of view. A string of big results in the fall reinforced that those foundations are back. The U.S. are a team that fights again, and McCarty couldn't be happier to see it.
"I feel a sense of pride watching this team again, which is something that's really exciting heading into, for me, the biggest sporting event in the history of the sport coming up with the 2026 World Cup," the Apple TV analyst told GOAL. "You just wanted to watch a team that cared, a team that was going to put it all on the line for the red, white and blue and for that jersey. I don't think this is to say that players that represent our country in our national team didn't care before; I think it's just to say that we didn't see that manifest itself on the field all the time, right?"
You can count McCarty among the believers now. After seeing the U.S. take down multiple World Cup-bound teams, the longtime midfielder believes that this team is now ready for the gauntlet set to come their way next summer. The questions no longer focus on the team’s flaws; they focus on how far this team can go now that this group has put some of those flaws behind them.
McCarty talks about that evolution and his hopes for the USMNT in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of analysts, announcers and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.
GettyON THE USMNT'S GROWTH
GOAL: When we spoke in the summer, it was during the Gold Cup at a time when the USMNT was being criticized. The focus was on passion and effort and, in the months since, that has all changed. The team is winning, but the team is also looking more like what you and many other former players wanted to see: one that fights for everything they get. What has it been like watching that evolution from where this team was this summer to where it is now?
MCCARTY: I think it's easy to take things for granted when maybe the expectation is that certain players are always going to be playing. So that's the thing I can say about Mauricio Pochettino that I've appreciated the most about him, other than the tactics: it's the fact that he has completely reset the culture of the U.S. men's national team. I think [previous manager] Gregg Berhalter did a lot of really good things. You have to give Gregg credit for really galvanizing the team, pushing forward young players that really came into their own and turned into leaders, and really giving them license to make the team theirs. But with that, I think it crept in with a little bit of complacency – that there's this expectation that the same players were going to play all the time.
Pochettino has completely squashed that, and that is where I think the biggest difference is with the national team right now. You're never quite sure who is going to be in the starting XI because we've seen that Pochettino is not scared to switch up his lineups. I think it has created a real sense of competition and a real sense of pride in all of these players to say, if I'm not starting this game, I might have a chance the next game, and I have to play at my absolute maximum. I have to play at my absolute best if I want to impress him and if I want to stay involved in this team.
I love the trust that Pochettino has placed in different players. I love the fact that he is trusting young players. Now, we are playing friendlies, quote-unquote, but Pochettino has said that we don't treat them as friendlies; we treat them as finals. We treat them as games that are going to be highly important for us. So the last couple of months have been fun to watch the evolution of this national team. From losing to Mexico and then getting dominated by South Korea — those back-to-back losses were, I think, a real tipping point for Pochettino to make some changes, both formationally and structurally, and he's ended up getting the best out of this group right now. I think every player realizes that every single training session matters, every single game that they play with their club matters, and that is how you're going to get the best out of this group. Pochettino deserves a lot of credit for doing that.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesON THE WORLD CUP DRAW
GOAL: There are two lines of thought when it comes to group stages. Some will want an easy group, one that gives the U.S. a chance to build through the tournament and get a good spot in the knockouts. Others, though, will want a harder one because it will prepare the team for the road ahead while also creating the type of game-changing moments that this tournament needs to provide for American soccer fans. Where do you fall in that? What do you want this team's group to look like?
MCCARTY: I don't really think it matters, if I'm being honest. I think you want to have a group that will be challenging enough to test the team before the knockout stage, but also not too challenging to the point where you risk not advancing. That's kind of the rub, right? I don't think the USMNT is going to see a group that is going to be a 'group of death.'
Obviously, being a host country, you're in Pot 1, so you avoid all of the best teams in the competition, and that is a positive. But you also know that some of these teams that are going to be in Pot 4 that qualify through the playoffs from Europe – they're going to provide you with good tests. Because of how hard it is to qualify from places like Europe or South America, you have to expect, if you get one of those teams in Pot 4, that that'll make things challenging and that'll make things interesting.
I want the U.S. to have a balanced group. I want them to have a team that will be seen as on their level and can give them a real test in the group stage, but I also want them to play against teams where they can be on the front foot. They can really get this country behind them. Maybe if they score a couple of goals, they can really galvanize the nation to say, 'Okay, the USMNT is playing well, they're scoring goals, they have confidence,' and we can really get behind them to make a deep run in this tournament.
GettyON HIS EXPECTATIONS
GOAL: You look at this last year, and it's been a rollercoaster, right? Lots of highs and lows. There have been times where the public was willing to write this team off and, now that they're winning, the public is excited about how far this team can go. For you, has the expectation change? What do you really believe this team can do?
MCCARTY: My expectation hasn't changed at all, and I say that knowing how poor the U.S. was playing three or four months ago. I was always under the impression that form is temporary and there are going to be growing pains throughout this whole process. Now, it was frustrating for me. I remember thinking after some of these losses, if Pochettino has a plan, I'm unable to see that right now.
I think Pochettino's whole point was that it's okay if you don't see it from the outside, but I promise you, you need to just trust the process and the plan. I was skeptical, but my expectations really haven't changed, because even when the U.S. wasn't playing well, I know that with their most talented players fit and healthy, they are going to be a challenge for any team in the world. Really, I genuinely believe that – but it's just a matter of what kind of form this team is in.
My expectations four months ago were that the U.S. was going to get out of their group and win a knockout-round game, and then from there, see how it goes. Now, my expectations are exactly the same. I expect them to get out of their group. I expect them to win a knockout game, and then, from there, once you get to the Round of 16, you see based on the matchups. Is it going to be a different expectation if they're playing against a more middle-tier European team than if they're playing against Argentina? … I would love to see the U.S. make a deep run. I don't think a semifinal or quarterfinal run is outside the realm of possibility.
I love the fact that Pochettino has said, 'Look, our goal is to win the World Cup.' Why else would we play in the tournament? He should be saying that, and the players should be saying that. … It's about the margins and it's about your best players, and it's about the superstars being able to put the team in a position to win the game. From there, anything can happen. I'm not bold enough to say that I am confident the U.S. can win the World Cup, but I am confident enough to say that they should get out of the group — and they should win a knockout-round game or two.
GOALPREVIOUS EDITIONS OF MIC'D UP
Nov. 15: Kacey White: ESPN analyst and NWSL legend on the hectic college soccer season, why UNC may struggle to repeat, and who could win
Nov. 14: Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst breaks down MLS schedule change, Son Heung-Min’s rise with LAFC, playoff upsets, and Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez dilemma
Nov. 4 – Geoff Shreeves: CBS Sports Golazo analyst on Arsenal's depth, Liverpool's struggles and Wrexham's Championship reality check
Oct. 29 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV analyst on Thomas Muller and 'amazing' Vancouver Whitecaps, reborn Inter Miami, and Canada's 2026 World Cup ambitions
Oct. 24 – Steve McManaman: ESPN analyst on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid, El Clasico, and why 'excellent' Jude Bellingham must be in England squad
Oct. 20 – Alexi Lalas: FOX analyst praises Mauricio Pochettino for adding bite to USMNT, but says 'jury's still out' on World Cup success
Oct. 17 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst backs December Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami, but warns 'if you allow La Liga, you're allowing everybody'
Oct. 16 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst unconvinced by USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino, but calls recent results 'his most impressive window'
Oct. 2 – Clive Tyldesley:CBS analyst on Americans in the Champions League, 'big year' for USMNT at the World Cup and protecting young footballers
Sept. 30 – David Villa: Spain legend and DAZN analyst on Barcelona's Champions League hopes, 'amazing' Lamine Yamal and 'great opportunity' for U.S. to host World Cup
Sept. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX analyst on Gio Reyna's revival, Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan future and how Mauricio Pochettino can form 'U.S. team that makes us excited'
Sept. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst grades Mauricio Pochettino's first year as USMNT boss, wonders where Weston McKennie has been?
Sept. 9 – Sacha Kljestan: Apple TV analyst urges USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino to stick with core group, weighs in on MLS and Inter Miami's Luis Suarez
Aug. 28 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV analyst on Arsenal's need for a trophy, why 'writing off Liverpool is absolutely silly' and how Club World Cup can spark MLS growth
Aug. 21 – Marcelo Balboa: Apple TV analyst calls out fellow former USMNT players for vitriol toward Christian Pulisic, hails impact of Son Heung-Min in MLS
Aug. 15 – Nedum Onuoha: ESPN analyst on why Antonee Robinson is 'as good as any' defender in Premier League, concerns over Alexander Isak, expected Man City rebound
Aug. 6 – Kasey Keller: ESPN analyst calls out Mauricio Pochettino's underwhelming record with USMNT, hails Matt Turner's 'brilliant' return to MLS
July 31 – Andres and Nico Cantor: Father-son analysts on Mauricio Pochettino's chief challenge with USMNT, and Inter Miami's Leo Messi 'completing football
July 29 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV's Dax McCarty on why MLS was right to suspend Lionel Messi, the new Leagues Cup format, and why Club America is favorite
July 25 – Derek Rae: ESPN commentator on Gio Reyna's flawed fit at Dortmund, why 'nobody knows' how good 22-year-old USMNT midfielder can be
July 7 – Callum Williams: Apple TV, world soccer commentator on the impact of Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup
June 27 – Kyle Martino: TNT analyst on USMNT goalscoring void, the state of the program and the return of Showdown to NYC
June 23 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV analyst on the opportunity, pressure facing Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ahead of World Cup
June 19 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on why he's bullish about Club World Cup, memories of playing in CWC, how 2026 World Cup could be 'biggest sporting event ever'
June 17 – Herculez Gomez:ESPN analyst on Christian Pulisic controversy, state of USMNT, fractures in fan base and his admiration for 'highly relatable' Diego Luna
June 11 – Diego Valeri: Apple TV+ analyst on Lionel Messi’s MLS impact, supporting rival Sounders at Club World Cup, and U.S. and Argentina ties
May 21 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV+ analyst on 'exciting' matchups in the Club World Cup, why a top European team will win, and how Inter Miami can benefit
May 13 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC analyst on Americans supporting Club World Cup, European teams vying for trophy, and whether an MLS team can make a run
May 9 – Luis Garcia: ESPN Analyst on Barcelona and 'fantastic' Lamine Yamal, why Real Madrid lack a philosophy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool
May 1 – Derek Rae: ESPN analyst on Harry Kane's trophy quest, Gio Reyna's Borussia Dortmund struggles, the meaning behind 'the smell of the stable'
April 28 – Christina Unkel: CBS Sports rules analyst on VAR challenges, 'visibility' in refereeing, former players becoming officials
April 25 – Alejandro Moreno: ESPN FC pundit on Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid disappointment, Carlo Ancelotti's final season, 'best in the world' Lamine Yamal
April 24 – Bradley Wright-Phillips: Apple TV analyst on the 'brilliance' of Lionel Messi, 'chippy' Inter Miami, and why Kevin De Bruyne's next team should be NYCFC
April 22 – Ali Krieger: ESPN analyst on Naomi Girma's Chelsea move, the 'amazing' Emma Hayes and why NWSL 'can't just dilute the league by expanding'
April 16 – Jamie Carragher: CBS analyst on Club World Cup and packed schedule, 'disappointing' Trent Alexander-Arnold, 'delightful' Mo Salah deal
April 14 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV+ host on the 2026 World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup and growth of game in America
April 11 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC host on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich's Bundesliga ambitions, 'undeniable talent' of Gio Reyna, and Ballon d'Or race without 'a standout contender'
April 8 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV analyst on possible Kevin De Bruyne link with Lionel Messi and MLS, Cavan Sullivan's 'swagger' and 'next-level' Wilfried Nancy
March 26 – Kasey Keller: 'Guys that would rather be on the beach' – ESPN's Kasey Keller knocks 'general malaise' of USMNT players, says Mauricio Pochettino must show 'he's 100 percent committed'
March 21 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV studio analyst on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 'chaotic' nature of MLS, why NWSL player exodus could 'hurt the league
March 13 – Micah Richards: CBS Sports analyst on Man City's future, why Real Madrid will win Champions League, and that bet with Jude Bellingham
March 11 – Antonella Gonzalez: Apple TV’s Antonella Gonzalez on interviewing Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, the rise of Latin American influence in MLS, and being a Hispanic woman in broadcasting
March 4 – Nico Cantor: CBS Analyst on 'world-class' Mauricio Pochettino, 'mixed' Champions League format, and why USL can compete with MLS
Feb 26 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst Andrew Wiebe on San Jose Earthquakes' 'massive offseason', Kevin De Bruyne's potential MLS arrival, league’s growth
Feb. 20 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV's analyst on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 'laying an egg' in MLS playoffs, Cavan Sullivan, and why Cincinnati are a threat
Feb. 18 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst on USMNT World Cup aspirations, Mauricio Pochettino, and team's signature wins – or lack thereof
Feb. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst on national team's potential, Cavan Sullivan's 'borderline arrogance' and 'global shop window' of MLS
Jan. 30 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV commentator on Mo Salah and Liverpool, the Olivier Giroud experiment at LAFC and more
Jan 28 – Nigel Reo-Coker: CBS Sports Golazo Network analyst on the new Champions League format, state of American soccer and Aston Villa
Jan 20 – Kate Scott: CBS Sports host on the American soccer psyche, USMNT's 'statement' hire in Mauricio Pochettino, 'enormous' 2026 World Cup and why Liverpool will win Champions League
Jan 13 – DaMarcus Beasley: USMNT legend on Lionel Messi's mindset, the 'good groove' for MLS and why Mauricio Pochettino is the 'right man for the job'
Jan. 9 – Callum Williams: Soccer analyst on Lionel Messi and 2025 Club World Cup, 'naivety towards' South American soccer, 'preposterous' that Jack Grealish has 'lost it'
Jan. 2 – Jenny Chiu: CBS reporter on 'big changes' by Emma Hayes, Mauricio Pochettino's 'pedigree' and possible UCL glory for Inter
Dec. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX Sports analyst on the evolution of the American game, why Christian Pulisic will be 'best U.S. Soccer player of all-time'
Dec. 12 – Brian Dunseth: Turner, Apple TV analyst on Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and USMNT's future under Mauricio Pochettino
Dec. 5 – Jalil Anibaba: Apple TV analyst on MLS Cup predictions, Inter Miami hiring Javier Mascherano and MLS's 'disheartening' coaching diversity issue
Nov. 21 – Andres Cantor: Telemundo legend on Mauricio Pochettino's Argentine mindset, the USMNT and having a front-row seat for the rise of the American game
Nov. 16 – Matt Doyle: Apple TV analyst assesses Inter Miami's defensive 'insanity,' whether Neymar could join Lionel Messi, MLS Cup favorite
Nov. 7 – Gary Neville: Veteran analyst talks USMNT World Cup hopes, 'hell of a player' Christian Pulisic, 'relentless' David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS
Oct. 31 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN FC analyst on Mauricio Pochettino's impact, the USMNT's 'wide-open' striker race, and a player pool 'that lacks accountability'
Oct. 29 – Rebecca Lowe: NBC host on the growth of soccer, the 'incredible' Emma Hayes and 'profile-raising' Mauricio Pochettino
Oct. 24 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst on MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi's 'nuclear form' and how Inter Miami can become league's 'greatest team of all time
Oct. 17 – Jamie Carragher: Veteran analyst talks USMNT, slams Man City over legal case, questions Mauricio Pochettino despite 'great' hire
