The U.S. men’s national soccer team will look to follow in the footsteps of the women’s team by making a major turnaround under a new head coach.
According to multiple reports, former Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris St. Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take over the USMNT in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, succeeding Gregg Berhalter.
While the American women’s team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics under new coach Emma Hayes, the men’s team has struggled recently, failing to even make it out of its group in the Copa America earlier this year.
A native of Argentina, Pochettino has extensive coaching experience in Europe, but this would be his first international coaching job. He previously worked with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker at Southampton in 2013.
The hiring is seen as a coup for the U.S. by many soccer experts since Pochettino was also reportedly under consideration for the job with England’s national team.
Mauricio Pochettino was officially appointed as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) on September 10, 2024. The Argentine manager, renowned for his tenures at top European clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His appointment comes as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
A New Era for U.S. Soccer
Pochettino’s hiring is seen as a significant move by U.S. Soccer, aiming to elevate the national team’s performance on the global stage. U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker highlighted Pochettino’s track record of developing cohesive and competitive teams, stating, “Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development.”
Early Challenges and Opportunities
In preparation for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Pochettino faces the challenge of assembling a competitive squad amid the absence of several key players. Notably, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Tim Weah are unavailable due to rest periods and commitments to the overlapping Club World Cup. Despite these absences, Pochettino views the situation as an opportunity to evaluate emerging talent and instill a culture of professionalism and commitment within the team.
The 27-man roster for the Gold Cup includes a significant number of MLS-based players, reflecting Pochettino’s focus on domestic talent. He emphasized the importance of giving young players the chance to prove themselves, stating, “They deserve to have the chance.”
As the USMNT gears up for the Gold Cup and the forthcoming World Cup, Pochettino’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and tactical acumen to the team. His emphasis on performance, commitment, and the development of young talent aligns with U.S. Soccer’s broader goals of achieving success on the global stage.
For more insights into Pochettino’s vision for the USMNT, you can watch his introductory press conference below:
