Mauricio Pochettino Appointed as Head Coach of US Men's National Team
ICARO Media Group
In a highly-anticipated move, the United States men's national team (USMNT) has secured the services of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach. Multiple reports confirm that Pochettino, a highly-respected and accomplished coach with a knack for developing young talents, will lead the USMNT into the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The appointment of Pochettino brings a fresh wave of optimism to an already talented USMNT roster. Led by an exciting young core, including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah, who all ply their trade at top European clubs, the team is poised for success under the guidance of a manager renowned for nurturing emerging stars.
The decision to bring in Pochettino comes after the disappointment of the USMNT's early exit in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America, which took place on home soil. This outcome, coupled with the polarizing tenure of former head coach Gregg Berhalter, prompted the US Soccer Federation to make a bold choice in their pursuit of a proven and ambitious leader.
Pochettino, a 52-year-old Argentine coach, began his coaching journey in 2009 with Spanish club Espanyol, where he also had a distinguished playing career spanning a decade. His style of play garnered praise, even though he departed Espanyol in last place during his fifth season in charge. Pochettino later had a successful stint at English side Southampton, leading them to their best league finish in over a decade.
However, it was at Tottenham Hotspur where Pochettino truly made his mark. Despite not capturing any major trophies during his five-plus years at the helm, he guided Tottenham to four consecutive top-four finishes and a memorable appearance in the UEFA Champions League final in 2018-19. Under his guidance, players like Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, and Christian Eriksen flourished, solidifying Pochettino's reputation as one of Europe's most respected managers.
Following his departure from Tottenham, Pochettino had a brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain, winning the French league title but falling short in the Champions League. A subsequent stint at Chelsea ended in disappointment, with the team finishing sixth in the league. Now, Pochettino ventures into international management for the first time, eager to showcase his renowned magic on the world stage with the USMNT.
With Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT aims to harness its immense talent and embark on a successful journey towards the 2026 World Cup. The appointment signals a strong and ambitious commitment by the US Soccer Federation to capitalize on the potential of its promising roster and establish the United States as a force to be reckoned with in international football.