Mauricio Pochettino Issues Strong Message After Becoming USMNT Head Coach

The USMNT is embarking on a new chapter with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm.

After much anticipation, Pochettino has signed on and officially taken the reins as the manager of the U.S. men's national team. The 52-year-old succeeds Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following the team's disappointing group stage departure from the 2024 Copa America.

Pochettino was a prime candidate for U.S. Soccer leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite lacking international coaching experience, the Argentine boasts a resume featuring tenures at some of the world's most prestigious clubs, including Tottenham, Paris-Germain, and most recently, Chelsea.

He notably guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, overcoming Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Ajax, only to fall to Liverpool in Madrid.

Pochettino now faces the challenge of revitalizing a USMNT that's reeling from a historic home defeat to Canada, marking their first loss on American soil since 1957 and their third straight defeat in all competitions.

Nonetheless, Pochettino remains highly optimistic about the USMNT's prospects.

"The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on," Pochettino said. "The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here—those are the things that inspired me."

"The opportunity to lead the U.S. men’s national team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up," he continued. "I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."

Pochettino has two years to shape the USMNT into a team that can meet expectations and make a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United State, Mexico, and Canada.