In a move that has sent ripples through the world of soccer, Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team. The announcement, made by the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday, marks a significant shift for the USMNT as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Taking the reins from Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed in July following a disappointing Copa America performance, Pochettino brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Having managed prominent clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, he is no stranger to leading teams to the highest levels of the sport. His appointment also marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreign head coach of the U.S. team since German Juergen Klinsmann, who led the team from 2011 to 2016.
Pochittino’s reputation as a manager known for developing young talent and building cohesive, competitive teams has made him a highly sought-after figure in the world of soccer. He led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 and has worked with some of the world’s best players, including Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe at PSG. This experience and expertise are sure to be invaluable as he takes on the challenge of guiding the USMNT to new heights.
The US Soccer Federation is confident that Pochettino is the right choice to unlock the potential of the talented US squad. “Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer’s sporting director. “His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad.”
Pochittino himself expressed his excitement for the new role, highlighting the unique opportunity presented by the US team. “The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” he stated.
The US national team, featuring players like AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but did not advance beyond the group stage in this year’s Copa America. This appointment marks a clear commitment from the US Soccer Federation to invest in a new direction, with the goal of achieving success on the world stage.
The search for Pochettino’s appointment was a multi-month process, involving securing financial backing from donors such as Kenneth C. Griffin of Citadel and Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder of Diameter, along with commercial partners. This signifies the high stakes involved in the USMNT’s pursuit of World Cup glory and the dedication to providing Pochettino with the resources needed to build a strong team.
Pochittino’s hiring follows the appointment of former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes to lead the U.S. women’s national team. Hayes recently led the U.S. women to Olympic gold at the Paris Games. This dual leadership appointment signifies a new era for US soccer, with both the men’s and women’s national teams aiming for top-level performance and success.
With Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT is set to embark on a journey towards the 2026 World Cup, leveraging the growing talent and interest in soccer within the country. This appointment marks a significant step forward for US soccer, and the world will be watching as Pochettino guides the team towards their goals.
