The USMNT has the top scorer in the rivalry with Landon Donovan's six goals leading the way. Donovan found the back of the net during the USMNT's memorable 2-0 victory over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup and would be a consistent thorn in El Tri's side during their matchups.

That “connection between the fans and the team,” Pochettino said, “that is the connection that we [would] like to see in the World Cup. That connection that makes you fly.”

Mauricio Pochettino praised the U.S. men’s national team’s close bond following a gutsy penalty shootout victory against Costa Rica.