---
title: "USMNT’s penalty obsession: Pochettino’s plan for World Cup shootouts"
description: "Pochettino turned training into penalty drills after FIFA made extra-time ties go straight to shootouts. The USMNT’s World Cup knockout debut vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina hinges on it."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/usmnt-penalty-kicks-plan-how-mauricio-pochettino-prepared-f-72fceb91
published: 2026-07-03T11:30:04.305+00:00
updated: 2026-07-03T11:30:04.305+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["soccer"]
---

# USMNT’s penalty obsession: Pochettino’s plan for World Cup shootouts

> Pochettino turned training into penalty drills after FIFA made extra-time ties go straight to shootouts. The USMNT’s World Cup knockout debut vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina hinges on it.

Mauricio Pochettino has turned USMNT training into penalty shootout drills ahead of their World Cup knockout debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA’s 2026 rule change removes extra time as a tiebreaker in knockout matches; every draw after 90 minutes now goes straight to penalties.

That means the USMNT’s first-ever World Cup shootout could decide their tournament fate in the round of 32.

Pochettino’s squad has logged multiple high-pressure drills, simulating shootouts with crowd noise and video review delays to mimic match conditions.

The sessions target both takers and keepers, with players rotating through penalty roles to build mental resilience.

Fitness staff also adjusted recovery protocols to handle the added stress of sudden-death scenarios.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina match on June 24, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, will be the first test under the new rule.

Pochettino has publicly emphasized the shootout’s tactical importance, calling it a "separate game" that requires its own preparation. "We treat penalties like a chess match now," he said in a pre-tournament press conference.

What's next: The USMNT face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a must-win knockout opener.

If they advance, every subsequent knockout match—potentially including a Round of 16 clash with a seeded European side—will follow the same shootout format.

Pochettino’s drills could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run.

## Why this matters

A single penalty shootout can erase a World Cup campaign in minutes. With FIFA eliminating extra time as a tiebreaker in 2026, every knockout match now hinges on penalties. Pochettino’s obsessive preparation could be the edge that turns the USMNT’s first-ever World Cup shootout from a gamble into a calculated advantage, potentially deciding whether they survive the round of 32 or bow out early.

## Frequently asked

### Why did FIFA change the knockout rules for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA removed extra time as a tiebreaker in knockout matches to reduce fatigue and increase drama. Every draw after 90 minutes now goes directly to penalties, ensuring decisive outcomes and faster tournament progression.

### How has Pochettino prepared the USMNT for penalty shootouts?

The team has conducted multiple high-pressure drills, simulating shootouts with crowd noise, video review delays, and mental resilience training. Players rotate through taker and keeper roles to build adaptability and composure under pressure.

### When does the USMNT’s first World Cup shootout take place?

The USMNT’s first potential shootout is scheduled for June 24, 2026, in their round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium. The match is a must-win knockout opener.

### What happens if the USMNT advance past the round of 32?

Every subsequent knockout match—including the Round of 16, Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final—will follow the same shootout format if tied after 90 minutes. Pochettino’s preparation could be critical in multiple high-stakes scenarios.

### How does Pochettino view the tactical importance of penalties?

Pochettino has called penalties a "separate game" requiring its own preparation. He treats the shootout as a chess match, emphasizing tactical decisions, mental resilience, and adaptability to gain an edge over opponents.

## Sources & Citations

- [USMNT penalty kicks plan: How Mauricio Pochettino prepared for World Cup's ultimate shootout tie-breaker](
                                                https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/usmnt-penalty-kicks-mauricio-pochettinos-shootout-world-cup-tie-breaker/
                    ) — CBS Sports Soccer (2026-07-01)

---

Cite: USMNT’s penalty obsession: Pochettino’s plan for World Cup shootouts. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/usmnt-penalty-kicks-plan-how-mauricio-pochettino-prepared-f-72fceb91