Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has been appointed as the new head coach of the United States men’s national football team.
The 52-year-old Argentine, who has been without a job since parting ways with Chelsea at the end of last season, was previously considered a top contender for the vacant England managerial position.
However, he has now committed to leading the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.
This significant development follows the recent dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, who faced heavy criticism after the USMNT’s early exit in the group stage of this summer’s Copa América.
Pochettino’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by U.S. Soccer to elevate the national team’s performance, drawing from his extensive experience managing top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.
U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director, Matt Crocker, was instrumental in securing Pochettino for the role. Crocker, who previously worked with Pochettino at Southampton, played a pivotal role in the recruitment process.
The U.S. Soccer Federation initially targeted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for the position, but negotiations did not come to fruition.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news via X, stating, “Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the U.S. to World Cup 2026. After contacts with several managers, the former Chelsea and Spurs head coach says yes to the proposal and project, as per reports in the US overnight.”
The Athletic also supported this information, noting that Pochettino “has agreed to become the next head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team.”
Pochettino’s appointment is a milestone for U.S. Soccer, marking the acquisition of a high-profile manager with a remarkable record at the club level.
His career highlights include guiding Southampton to an impressive eighth-place finish in the Premier League, achieving record league finishes with Tottenham Hotspur, including a Champions League final appearance in 2019, and securing a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.
Most recently, Pochettino led Chelsea to a sixth-place finish and European qualification in the 2023-24 season.
Although Pochettino has never managed a national team, his selection aligns with U.S. Soccer’s ambitions for the future.
Matt Crocker previously emphasized the federation’s dedication to attracting top talent, stating, “It’s a priority. It’s something we’re prepared to invest in and something that we will be investing in.” Crocker’s history with Pochettino during their time at Southampton further solidifies their connection and shared vision for the USMNT.
Pochettino is renowned for his tactical expertise, particularly his emphasis on positional play, space control, and an aggressive pressing style.
His new role will involve shaping the USMNT into a formidable team for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to advance deep into the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Football Association recently appointed England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley as the interim coach for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Although Pochettino had been a potential candidate for the England job, his commitment to the USMNT now removes him from consideration.
With his stock high following Chelsea’s strong finish last season, Pochettino could have been a prime candidate for another Premier League position if a mid-season vacancy arose.
However, his focus is now firmly on leading the USMNT as they prepare to host the world’s biggest football event in 2026.
