Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), recently affirmed his Argentine heritage, stating he is “200% Argentine.” However, he is also embracing American culture while participating in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

The most notable instance was when Pochettino energetically sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the USMNT’s victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1.

On the horizon is an engagement with Major League Baseball. The Seattle Mariners announced that Pochettino and the USMNT would be throwing the ceremonial first pitch at their game against the Toronto Blue Jays. This event will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday night, July 3.

Doug McIntyre from FOX Sports recorded a delightful video on Thursday, capturing goalkeeper Matt Turner teaching Pochettino how to throw a baseball.

The official Instagram account of the USMNT shared footage of players Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, and Weston McKennie practicing their throws.

The team is set to face Belgium in the Round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, July 6, beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Their last encounter with Belgium at a World Cup was also in the Round of 16 in 2014, where Belgium defeated the U.S. 2-1. More recently, Belgium won against the USMNT 5-2 in a friendly match in March.

Despite the USMNT’s past struggles in World Cups, Pochettino remains optimistic about their chances. “Why not us?” he remarked following their win over Bosnia.

Should the USMNT overcome Belgium, it would mean their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002, when they were defeated by Germany.