As the excitement builds ahead of USMNT's contest with Turkey tonight (Thursday, June 25th), the US Soccer team's coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has revealed what he and his team will be listening to as they prepare for their next FIFA World Cup match.

In a new interview, Pochettino, who has so far led USMNT to two impressive victories against Australia and Paraguay, explains that he has become a big fan of country music.

Pochettino reflects, “I like country music. The night before games, the coaching staff gets together and we play country music. Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley...”

Then, when the interviewer addresses the camera and suggests it would be great if more country artists came along to the USMNT matches to show their support, Pochettino enthusiastically agrees, “We do [need everyone to play a part]. We need them to come. They are very, very welcome here. Very welcome. We are here in Los Angeles, and they are welcome...Please, we need everyone's energy”.

Country music has enjoyed a prominent role so far in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with members of the England team, for instance, attending an Ella Langley concert in Texas and giving the ‘Choosin’ Texas’ hitmaker an England jersey last week, while social media users became enthralled in the heartwarming story of a German fan called Freddy who discovered Langley's music for the first time and then got to meet her backstage. Similarly, John Denver's iconic country hit, ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, has been adopted by USMNT as their unofficial World Cup anthem, with Denver's classic seeing a resurgence in streams this month.

Pochettino's USMNT have been proving doubters wrong throughout their FIFA World Cup campaign, with the squad going 2 for 2 against formidable opponents in the Group Stages. Next up, USMNT take on Turkey in Inglewood, Los Angeles as they attempt to finish top of Group D and keep the momentum going into the Round of 32.