As the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) prepares for a busy schedule of international soccer, the Denver Broncos found a unique way to welcome one of soccer's biggest names to the Mile High City: Mauricio Pochettino. It created a memorable crossover between the NFL and soccer.

The Broncos presented the Argentine manager and the US soccer team head coach with a customized No. 1 jersey featuring "Pochettino" on the back.

"Thank you so much, wow," Pochettino said in a video posted by the national team's X page. "It's so beautiful. Guys, thank you, thank you, thank you."

The U.S. Soccer Men's head coach showed a warm reaction to how meaningful the gesture was. The coach admired the jersey before appreciating it.

The Broncos have always played the role of an ambassador for the Denver sports community. But this summer, Denver is not hosting any World Cup matches. But the tournament might return to the U.S. by 2038, and the Broncos will have their new stadium ready by then.

After opening the tournament with victories over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0), the USMNT has clinched first place in Group D of the competition, being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Americans will next face Türkiye in their final group-stage match on Thursday, June 25.

While the Broncos welcomed Pochettino lovingly, the USMNT coach's attention now shifts to a different challenge.

Mauricio Pochettino faces selection dilemma as the USMNT closes group stage against Türkiye

The USMNT heads into its final 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Türkiye with first place in Group D.

"I need to be sure the team that is going to be [on the field] wants to eat the grass here in the SoFi and play [as if it's] the final of the World Cup," Pochettino said at his news conference Wednesday, June 24, via Steven Goff on Yahoo Sports. "We need to perform, and I have no doubt the team that is going to play is going to perform."

Pochettino is expected to rotate his squad with nothing on the result, as remaining players carry yellow cards, and manage the load of players tackling injuries like Christian Pulisic and Christian Roldan.

Instead of scoring, focus will be on staying healthy for the Round 32 game on Wednesday, July 1, in Santa Clara, California. He is not dismissing Thursday's match at SoFi Stadium.

As Pochettino leads the team, what do you think of Denver's thoughtful gesture? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar