'The national team has an issue' - France, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry calls on Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT to 'perform' ahead of 2026 World Cup

New England Revolution v New York Red Bulls - Eastern Conference Final - Leg 1

The Premier League legend expressed his hopes that Mauricio Pochettino's side can find form in the wake of a disappointing run

Saudi Arabia v United States - Gold Cup 2025

WHAT HAPPENED?

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry admitted the USMNT has issues that must be addressed ahead of the 2026 World Cup and stressed the urgency to improve with the tournament less than a year away.

"The national team has an issue, and I hope that's going to be solved pretty soon, because what you want is the national team to perform, especially when the team is the host," he said at a CBS press conference promoting its UEFA Champions League coverage.

The former striker, who also played and coached in MLS, urged U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino to start delivering results amidst a poor run of form. The USMNT have yet to beat a FIFA top-25 team under Pochettino, who took charge a year ago.

Still, Henry showed some optimism, recalling that his France team entered the 1998 World Cup facing heavy criticism before going on to win the tournament despite widespread doubts about their quality.

Tim Weah, Marseille

WHAT THIERRY HENRY SAID

The  USMNT are now winless in their last seven matches against non-North American top-25 opponents, being outscored 17-3 in that span. Henry believes Pochettino has enough quality on his squad to turn things around. 

"That's something that he has to figure out. He has a team in order to do that," Henry explained. "It is not only him, but the team is struggling right now. Hopefully, they won't be struggling at the World Cup, because you want the host to go as far as they can go, obviously. That's a question for Pochettino."

One player with whom Henry is very familiar, outside of Christian Pulisic, is Tim Weah. Henry idolized Weah's famous dad, George, for his playing style as a striker. 

Your favorite idol's favorite idol ❤️ pic.twitter.com/upViITvZIo

Henry was surprised to see Tim Weah make the move from Juventus to Marseille, but stressed the onus is on the American winger to perform at his new club.

"It was unexpected at the very beginning, his dad played there," Henry said. "I think it is going to be good for him. If you follow what's been happening in Marseille since the beginning of the season, it's been a bit chaotic, as the club has been at times. But I do think it's going to be good for him. He does speak French.

"Obviously, he didn't work out, maybe, as he expected, being in Turin [at Juventus], although he had some good games. But things have changed, and now it's on him to be able to perform for Marseille, which is not an easy one at times, because that place can be pretty crazy at times. But I wish him all the best."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT's inability to pick up results of late has been heavily criticized. Pochettino started his tenure brightly, but has since struggled, losing in the semifinals of the Nations League before falling to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. 

USMNT Training Session and Press Conference

WHAT NEXT FOR POCHETTINO AND THE USMNT?

The Argentine manager has announced a tricky slate of fixtures ahead of the World Cup. They will face Uruguay and Paraguay later this fall, before reportedly taking on Portugal next March.