Best Behind-the-Scenes Moments of Episode 3: ‘You Have To Fight’
The third episode of the HBO Documentary follows the aftermath of Gregg Berhalter’s firing and the installation of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach
Less than two years before the FIFA World Cup 2026™, U.S. Soccer altered its course dramatically. The Federation relieved Gregg Berhalter of his duties as the U.S. Men’s National Team head coach and replaced him with a star among European clubs.
“U.S. Against the World: Four Years with the Men’s National Soccer Team,” is an HBO Original documentary produced by Park Stories, in association with U.S. Soccer and the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association.
The third episode entitled “You Have To Fight” follows the coaching transition and how it affected the team's performance and dynamic as the sport’s most competitive tournament draws nearer.
Gregg Berhalter Aftermath
When did Gregg Berhalter learn he was no longer the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team?
The current Chicago Fire head coach & director of football sits down for an exclusive interview for the HBO documentary to share what happened and his feelings about his dismissal.
Introducing Mauricio Pochettino
In September 2024, U.S. Soccer announced Mauricio Pochettino as the 40th U.S. Men’s National Team head coach in program history. The Argentine previously managed several European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Sporting director Matt Crocker said this about the new head coach:
“I’m confident that we have secured not only the best coach but the best person and the best leader to take our program forward, a coach with a real mentality and a winning reputation, and a coach that matched our ambitions as we work and move forward toward 2026.”
The first training sessions under Pochettino were intense. Get a glimpse of just how much in this episode.
Pochettino’s Debut
Renowned at the club level, Pochettino taking the reins of the USMNT marked his first experience managing international soccer. And his first test with the National Team came against a nation that previously contributed to USA’s early exit in Copa America.
The coaching change created a shift to the locker room. With some positive results, the program's dynamic evolves under Pochettino and the new coaching staff.
Antonee Robinson At Home
Considered one of the best left fullbacks in the world and a star in the English Premier League, defender Antonee Robinson was on a terrific run before he split his tendon during international play. The recovery from injury was not as straightforward as he had hoped, and the fullback had to work twice as hard to return to his Player of the Year form.
2024 Nations League
The team starts the quest for a fourth straight Concacaf Nations League trophy. This time, the team aims to do so without some key players on the roster like Robinson and striker Folarin Balogun.
Players deemed the tournament one of the group’s lowest points. Watch what happened:
“Still?”
Tim Ream is an ageless wonder. As he approaches 40 years old, Ream thought the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be his last. But the prospect of a World Cup on home soil was too enticing to pass up, and the defender decided to keep his career going to make it to 2026 with the National Team. His commitment to longevity paid off – the center back was named to Pochettino’s 26-player roster for the World Cup.
Up Next: Episode 4: “That Is Football” airs Tuesday, June 2
Take a deeper look behind the makings of the HBO Documentary with Director Rand Getlin and Executive Producer Janina Pelayo on last week’s episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast: