Mauricio Pochettino named new head coach of USA men's soccer team. © Twitter (@FOXSoccer)
Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Tottenham, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, has been appointed the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team. This news comes after the US side’s disappointing group-stage exit in the Copa America, which led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter in July. Pochettino, 52, steps into the role with a clear vision for the team’s future, particularly with the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Pochettino, who has built a reputation for his ability to develop young talent and implement strong tactical systems, expressed his excitement at joining US Soccer. He described the decision as one that extended beyond just football, noting that the collective ambition and the journey that the US team and country are on attracted him. His words resonate with a sense of purpose, as he emphasized the passion and hunger within the squad to achieve something historic. Pochettino sees immense potential in the current group of players and has set his sights on building a team the entire nation can rally behind.
This appointment was led by US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who previously worked with Pochettino during their time at Southampton. Crocker spoke highly of the Argentine’s credentials, calling him a “serial winner” with a proven track record of building cohesive and competitive teams. Given Pochettino’s success in European football, most notably leading Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final, there is great optimism that he can bring a new level of success to the US men’s team.
The timing of this appointment is particularly significant as the United States prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Ranked 16th in the world by FIFA, just below Switzerland, the US team has shown flashes of potential but has often needed more consistency on the global stage. With Pochettino at the helm, there is hope that the team can develop a more organized and competitive structure, especially as they aim to make an impact in front of a home crowd in 2026. This will be a critical opportunity for Pochettino to showcase his leadership skills and strategic insight as he navigates the challenges of international football.
Pochettino’s familiarity with the pressures of high-level management is evident from his previous roles. After an impressive stint at Espanyol, he took over at Southampton, where he quickly earned a reputation for his attacking style of play and focus on youth development. His success there led to his move to Tottenham, where he transformed the club into a Premier League title contender and Champions League finalist. Though shorter tenures marked his time at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, his ability to navigate the challenges of elite football remains unquestioned.
However, the US men’s national team presents a unique challenge for Pochettino. While the team boasts young talents such as Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna, some areas require significant improvement, particularly regarding organization and tactical discipline. Pochettino’s task will be to build a cohesive unit capable of competing with the world’s best while fostering emerging talents within the squad. His passion for player development and tactical innovation will be essential as he looks to elevate the team to new heights.
This appointment also brings an interesting dynamic. Pochettino will now work alongside Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea women’s team manager, who took charge of the US women’s national team earlier this year. Both Pochettino and Hayes enjoyed a good working relationship at Chelsea, and they are expected to collaborate closely in their new roles. Their shared experience and insights could prove invaluable as both teams strive for success on the international stage.
Pochettino’s journey to this point has been shaped by his desire to one day manage internationally. In interviews, he has spoken about the appeal of coaching a national team, even hinting at a potential interest in managing England one day. For now, however, his focus is firmly on the US team, and the opportunity to lead them into the 2026 World Cup provides a platform that few managers would turn down. He decided to take on this role after he turned down several offers following his departure from Chelsea in May, signaling his belief in the project at hand.
As Pochettino steps into this new chapter of his managerial career, the football world will watch closely to see how he shapes the future of the US men’s national team. The 2026 World Cup offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the United States to significantly impact the global football stage. Pochettino’s leadership will be pivotal in determining how far they can go. For the Argentine, this is more than just another managerial role; it is a chance to build something truly special, a project that could leave a lasting legacy for himself and US Soccer.
