The US men's national team (USMNT) has adopted a scientific approach to penalty shootouts ahead of the World Cup, partnering with external companies that measure brainwaves and ball movement. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Tuesday that the coaching staff has worked with Neuro11 and Trackman for 18 months to analyze set pieces and penalties.
Pochettino's firm stance on penalty takers
Unlike Germany, where several players reportedly declined to take penalties in their shootout loss to Paraguay, Pochettino insists the US coaching staff will decide the order. “I don’t want to talk too much,” Pochettino said. “But I think we are working [with outside help] because as a coaching staff we believe we can provide some tools to the players to be better and to improve, [to equip] the players to try and find the best way to face this type of situation, while knowing that it is impossible to replicate the emotional stress and the pressure and expectation that they are going to feel.” He added, “It is going to be [the coaching staff’s] decision, the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We try to arrive in this moment and not ask the player if he feels confident or not confident.”
Technology partners: Neuro11 and Trackman
Neuro11 uses real-time EEG tracking—measuring brainwaves—to help players optimize their penalty technique. They previously worked with Liverpool FC under Jürgen Klopp. Trackman employs radar and sensors to provide detailed ball movement data. US midfielder Sebastian Berhalter credited Trackman for improving his set piece delivery, contributing to his World Cup roster selection.
USMNT penalty history and current takers
The US have never faced a penalty shootout in World Cup play. However, they have reliable takers: Christian Pulisic has converted all seven penalties for the senior team and rarely misses at club level. Forward Ricardo Pepi has not missed since leaving MLS in 2022, and Haji Wright has scored 17 of 19 attempts over seven years. Folarin Balogun also has experience.
Players' perspectives
Midfielder Christian Pulisic acknowledged the difficulty: “It is an extremely hard thing to do, go up and take penalties. For the people that go up and shoot it takes a lot of courage and it is not easy. Goalkeepers get better and better every year … The guys who feel the most confident to shoot will want to go up and shoot. I think that’s normal. There’ll be some players that don’t practice them as much and don’t feel good, I don’t think that’s necessarily a big problem. I feel it’s a pretty brave, courageous team, and I feel guys will give it a go.”
Defender Chris Richards laughed when asked about taking penalties: “I’m a defender for a reason, man. We try to not think about the worst-case scenario … In training, though, we prepare for everything, whether it’s penalty kicks or [extra time], we try and not leave any stone unturned. For us it’s just about approaching this game with confidence but also understanding that things don’t always go your way, so be prepared for everything.”
No style changes from watching others
After witnessing unorthodox approaches in Monday's shootouts—including stutter steps and short run-ups—Pulisic said players would not alter their techniques. “I think everyone has their own style. I don’t think you watch and can take so much away, or try and change your style in one day. It’s just part of the game.” Richards added, “I don’t have too much attacking in me, so I’m just picking my spot and going with it.”
