Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been officially named the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). His appointment comes four months after leaving Chelsea, where he spent only one season.
A New Challenge for Pochettino
Pochettino, now the 10th USMNT head coach in just 14 years, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, noting that his decision to join was motivated by more than just football. “The energy, passion, and hunger to achieve something historic inspired me,” Pochettino said in a statement. He emphasized the unique potential of the US team and the passionate fanbase as driving factors for accepting the role. His goal is to build a strong squad capable of making the nation proud.
Leading the Team Toward 2026 World Cup
One of Pochettino’s primary responsibilities will be to prepare the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. This high-profile event is seen as a major target for the USMNT, which hopes to make a deep run in the tournament.
Pochettino follows in the footsteps of Jurgen Klinsmann, the last foreign manager to lead the US team, and he brings a wealth of experience to the role. The US Soccer Federation highlighted his commitment to developing talent and his strong track record, describing him as a “serial winner.”
Building Toward Success
USMNT CEO JT Batson and sporting director Matt Crocker both praised Pochettino’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to harness the team’s potential. Crocker referred to him as the “right choice” to guide the squad toward success on the global stage.
Pochettino takes over following the team’s disappointing exit in the group stages of the 2024 Copa America. Former coach Gregg Berhalter had previously focused on preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup but was dismissed after the Copa America performance.
With Pochettino now at the helm, expectations are high for the USMNT as they aim to make a lasting impact at the 2026 World Cup.
