Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea Football Clubs, has been appointed as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team. This appointment comes twenty-one months before the United States is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr. Pochettino, aged 52 and of Argentine nationality, becomes the tenth individual to assume the role of head coach for the United States Men’s National Team in a span of fourteen years. He is also notable for being the first foreign-born individual to lead the team since Jurgen Klinsmann held the position from 2011 to 2016. Mr. Pochettino’s extensive coaching experience includes tenures at Espanyol in Spain from 2009 to 2012, Southampton from 2013 to 2014, Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019, and Chelsea in 2023 and 2024, all in England.
Additionally, he managed Paris Saint-Germain in France from 2021 to 2022, departing after securing a Ligue 1 title. In an official statement released by the United States Soccer Federation, Mr. Pochettino expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the journey that both the team and the country are embarking upon. He highlighted the energy, passion, and ambition to achieve something truly historic as the primary factors that inspired him to accept the position.
The negotiations for Mr. Pochettino’s appointment had been ongoing since mid-August. It is worth noting that Matt Crocker, the United States Soccer Federation’s sporting director who was responsible for the search process, had previously worked with Mr. Pochettino at Southampton Football Club, where Mr. Crocker served as the academy director when Mr. Pochettino commenced his tenure at the club.
While the specific duration of Mr. Pochettino’s contract has not been disclosed, the United States Soccer Federation has confirmed that he will lead the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mr. Crocker spoke highly of Mr. Pochettino’s credentials, describing him as a serial winner with a profound passion for player development and a proven ability to construct cohesive and competitive teams.
He expressed confidence in Mr. Pochettino being the appropriate choice to harness the considerable potential within the talented squad of players. The financial terms of Mr. Pochettino’s appointment have not been made public. A formal introduction of Mr. Pochettino is scheduled to take place at a press conference in New York City on Friday. He is expected to assume his duties for the upcoming friendly matches against Panama on October 12 in Austin, Texas, and against Mexico three days later. Mr. Pochettino’s appointment follows the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter on July 10, which occurred one week after the United States team was eliminated in the first round of the Copa America.
Mr. Berhalter had initially been hired in December 2018 and led the team through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated in the second round following a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands. His contract was allowed to expire at that time, but he was subsequently rehired in June 2023 with the intention of returning to the role in September. In the interim period between Mr. Berhalter’s departure and Mr. Pochettino’s appointment, Mikey Varas, who had served as an assistant to Mr. Berhalter, assumed coaching responsibilities for the team. Under Mr. Varas’s guidance, the United States team participated in two friendly matches, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Canada on Saturday and securing a 1-1 draw against New Zealand on Tuesday evening.
Mr. Pochettino expressed optimism about working with the current group of players, stating that he perceives a squad full of talent and potential. He articulated his intention to collaborate with the team to construct something exceptional that the entire nation can take pride in. Prior to his coaching career, Mr. Pochettino enjoyed a successful playing career as a central defender. He represented several prominent clubs, including Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, as well as Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux in Europe, spanning from the late 1980s until 2006.
At the international level, Mr. Pochettino made twenty appearances for the Argentine national team, participating in the 1999 Copa America and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The appointment of Mr. Pochettino represents a significant development for the United States Men’s National Soccer Team as they prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His extensive experience in managing top-tier European clubs and his track record of success are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance and development in the coming years. The United States Soccer Federation’s decision to appoint a coach of Mr. Pochettino’s caliber underscores their commitment to elevating the status of soccer in the country and their ambition to make a strong showing as World Cup hosts. As the team enters this new era under Mr. Pochettino’s leadership, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and optimism among soccer enthusiasts and supporters of the United States Men’s National Team.
The coming months and years will undoubtedly be crucial as Mr. Pochettino works to implement his vision and strategies, aiming to maximize the potential of the talented squad at his disposal. The soccer community will be keenly observing how the team evolves under his guidance and whether they can achieve the historic accomplishments that Mr. Pochettino alluded to in his initial statement. The United States Soccer Federation’s decision to appoint a foreign-born coach of Mr. Pochettino’s stature also reflects a broader trend in international soccer, where national teams increasingly look beyond their borders to secure the services of world-class managers. This approach has yielded positive results for several nations in recent years, and the United States will be hoping for a similar outcome. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the pressure and expectations on Mr. Pochettino and the United States Men’s National Team will inevitably intensify. The unique opportunity to compete in a World Cup on home soil adds an extra layer of significance to their preparations and performances.
Mr. Pochettino’s experience in managing high-pressure situations at top European clubs may prove invaluable in helping the team navigate these challenges. In conclusion, the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in American soccer. With his impressive credentials and the talented pool of players at his disposal, there is considerable optimism surrounding the team’s prospects. As they embark on this journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all eyes will be on Mr. Pochettino and his players as they strive to achieve the historic accomplishments they have set their sights on.
