The United States men’s national soccer team is turning heads at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the local sports royalty is taking notice. Ahead of a highly anticipated Group D finale against the Türkiye national football team at Los Angeles Stadium, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino received a special token of appreciation from the city’s most glamorous franchise. Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick pulled up to the stadium to link up with Pochettino for a classic cross-sport jersey swap.

Redick, completely swamped with the chaos of the ongoing NBA Draft week, made sure to carve out time on his 42nd birthday to welcome the soccer tactician to Tinseltown. The gesture highlights the massive wave of soccer fever overtaking the City of Angels. Pochettino previously met with Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh before a dominant 4-1 tournament-opening victory over the Paraguay national football team.

“It was very nice to meet him,” Pochettino said of his interaction with Redick. “We had a very friendly moment and a nice conversation.”

The star-studded meet-up adds context to a momentous week for the USMNT. The Americans have already punched their ticket to the knockout Round of 32 following a gritty 2-0 victory against the Australian national football team. In that stellar defensive exhibition, an own goal by Australia's Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute opened the floodgates before defender Alex Freeman iced the match with a brilliant header in the 43rd minute.

Pochettino plans to shuffle his deck for the upcoming clash with Türkiye to protect his squad. Key starters Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson all carry yellow cards. They will rest to avoid any suspension risks in the next round. Despite the changes, the USMNT aims to stay perfect. Pochettino expects a high-adrenaline atmosphere as the Americans hunt for a historic third consecutive group-stage victory.