Politics occupies an increasingly oppressive sphere in the United States, and the national team cannot escape it. After two decades of disappointment, the host team of the biggest World Cup in history faces the dual challenge of winning over a tense country and competing successfully on a historically unfavorable stage. Leading the operation is Mauricio Pochettino (Murphy, Argentina; 54), arguably the national team coach with the most complex mission of all.

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Donald Trump looked at him and, while shaking his hand, asked: “Coach, do you think we can win the World Cup?” The United States national team coach snapped to attention: “Of course we can, Mr. President!” At the World Cup draw ceremony, Mauricio Pochettino fulfilled his duty. The host’s optimism overrides the national mood. But Pochettino knows the odds of lifting the trophy are remote.

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