Max Arfsten Opens Up on USMNT Gold Cup Journey and Pochettino’s Unforgettable Act of Leadership
USMNT’s Gold Cup run built on trust, belief—and a gesture by Mauricio Pochettino that changed everything for Max Arfsten
For Max Arfsten, this summer’s Gold Cup campaign with the U.S. Men’s National Team was far more than just another international tournament. It was a defining stretch in a young career that continues to gather momentum. But perhaps most importantly, it was a moment of growth—not just for him as a player, but for the group as a whole. And at the heart of that transformation stood one man: Mauricio Pochettino.
Yes, the same Pochettino who’s patrolled the technical areas at the Parc des Princes and Stamford Bridge. This time, though, the Argentine was guiding a less star-studded USMNT side through the grind of a summer tournament. And according to Arfsten, one very human gesture from the coach early on was all it took to earn the trust and buy-in of a squad trying to find its identity.
A shaky start—and a bold gesture from Pochettino
Speaking at MLS All-Star Media Day, Arfsten was open and refreshingly honest about the rollercoaster start to the national team’s summer.
“First two friendlies we played, obviously, the results weren’t good,” Arfsten admitted, referencing defeats to Turkey and Switzerland in the run-up to the tournament. “And, you know, [Pochettino] could’ve kind of blamed us for that, because we’re the ones playing. But he took the ownership. He took it on himself with the media.”
It’s the kind of move that veterans might recognize as classic man-management. But for a relatively young team—15 MLS-based players among the group—this sort of leadership carried extra weight.
“It’s not easy for someone to do that, especially when you’re not playing, to take the blame to protect us,” Arfsten said. “So that was a huge gesture. We all noticed it. It was like, okay, this guy wants to build something here. He wants positivity. Good vibes in the camp. And that’s exactly what he brought.”
Turning the tide: From pre-tournament doubts to Gold Cup final
Despite the early setbacks, the USMNT responded well when the tournament got underway. They grew into the competition, building confidence match by match. Arfsten himself became a key contributor, featuring in five games, chipping in with three assists and scoring once. The team eventually reached the final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Mexico.
The results weren’t just a testament to the players’ resilience—but to Pochettino’s calming influence as well. The Argentine had come under fire after those June friendlies, with critics questioning both his appointment and the team’s direction. But as Arfsten sees it, the coach’s quiet commitment and connection with the group made the difference.
“He’s just a really good guy,” Arfsten said with a smile. “Super friendly with the players. Very emotional. You can tell he genuinely cares about us. It kind of goes without saying—he’s a top-level coach. Just look at where he’s been. But more than that, it was great just being coached by someone who’s had that kind of experience.”
Learning by doing: Arfsten’s own Gold Cup evolution
For the 23-year-old Columbus Crew wingback, the tournament was as much about personal growth as it was about representing the country.
“I just got mentally stronger,” he explained. “To be honest with you, I was put in some uncomfortable situations—playing with guys you’re not used to, dealing with expectations. But I think all of that made me tougher mentally.”
It’s an experience that goes beyond tactics and formations. For many young players, tournaments like the Gold Cup are proving grounds—a place where dreams harden into experience and confidence.
“You’re out there starting in big games, under pressure, and you’ve just got to perform,” Arfsten continued. “That’s where you grow. That’s where you learn what it really takes.”
Eyes on Europe: A rising stock and a clear ambition
Performances like Arfsten’s don’t go unnoticed. Shortly after the tournament, reports surfaced linking him with a potential move to France, with Ligue 1 side Toulouse reportedly making a bid for his services. Columbus Crew turned it down—but the message was clear: Max Arfsten is on the radar.
For his part, the California native is staying grounded but not shy about his long-term aspirations.
“Yeah, obviously, it’s a dream for myself—and probably for any player—to play in Europe at the highest level,” he said. “But right now, I’m just focused on what’s in front of me. Just staying present, doing what I can to be the best player I can be.”
In the immediate future, that means suiting up for the MLS All-Star Game, taking place at Austin’s Q2 Stadium—another milestone in what’s already been a breakthrough year.
Trust, development, and the long game
There’s something refreshingly old-school about the way Arfsten approaches the game. He’s not chasing headlines or rushing into the first European offer. He’s growing deliberately—earning his minutes, building his mental game, and responding to adversity the way pros are supposed to.
And that’s what made Pochettino’s early gesture all the more meaningful.
“That moment meant a lot,” Arfsten said again, reflecting on the coach taking heat from the media to shield the players. “We knew right then—we’ve got someone who believes in us. Someone we can go to battle for.”
And for a team still finding its feet on the international stage, belief might just be the most important tool of all.
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