Mauricio Pochettino has been officially named the new head coach of the United States Men's National Soccer Team [USMNT], signaling the end of the Gregg Berhalter era. The strategic move will implement a much-needed reset as the team's young rising stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said: "Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams.
"His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage."
Reports leading up to the official announcement hinted that U.S. Soccer executives were determined to land Pochettino despite a chase with ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp . Rumors suggested that last Wednesday, Team USA officials flew to Barcelona to finalize the deal with the ex-Tottenham manager and to record an official video announcing the appointment.
Pochettino explained: "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. 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. 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’s role will be to guide the USMNT through its next crucial development phase. He's formed a proven track record for producing young players and has become a well-known manager during his time with top Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur , and French club Paris Saint-Germain, bringing a wealth of experience to U.S. Soccer.
When Pochettino takes a new position, he usually overhauls the entire program from scratch and brings in his own trusted assistants to carry out his philosophies. His principles have led the 52-year-old Argentine manager to reach the Champions League final with Tottenham in 2018, the Coup de France with PSG in 2020, and win Ligue 1 with the club the following season.
The USMNT has experienced inconsistent recent results, which set the stage for the high-profile hiring. The team's most recent loss occurred during a 2-1 friendly defeat to Canada last Saturday. Team USA's more glaring setback transpired during the Copa America, where an early red card led to a 2-1 defeat against Panama in the group stage , leading to their elimination from the tournament.
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Team USA features a young roster comprised of team captain Christian Pulisic , Giovanni Reyna, Tyler Adams , Weston McKennie , Sergino Dest, and Tim Weah, all aged 25 or younger. Pulisic played at Chelsea, but Pochettino's time at the club was after the American had already moved to AC Milan .
While Pochettino has no direct experience with the team's top players, he's proven himself adept at developing the talent of the future. Several young players have emerged as stars under his wing, including Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Presnel Kimpembe, and Luke Shaw.
The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 that year and will jointly be hosted by the United States. Before then, the team will have more international friendlies in September and October against New Zealand, Panama, and Mexico, which will more than likely see Pochettino's managerial Team USA debut.
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