Mauricio Pochettino believes America has much to offer - both on and off the pitch - after being appointed as manager of the United States men's national team .
On Tuesday, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced that Pochettino will be taking over as the USMNT boss, signing a two-year contract that will run through the 2026 World Cup - which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Argentine succeeds Gregg Berhalter , who was relieved of his duties on the heels of an uninspiring group-stage exit from the 2024 Copa America.
In his first public comments on the job, Pochettino cited "energy, passion and hunger" as the three key factors that mixed together to convince him it was the right job for him.
"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 in an official statement announcing his hiring. "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."
Though Pochettino has never managed a national team, he’s routinely achieved immense success at the European club level. Over his decorated career, the 52-year-old guided Southampton to a top-10 finish in the Premier League in 2013, led Tottenham Hotspur to a Champions League final appearance in 2019 and helped Paris Saint-Germain secure a Ligue 1 title in 2022.
During his single tumultuous season at Chelsea, Pochettino propelled the Blues to the League Cup and FA Cup final - all while navigating through the heated conflict between the club’s fans and ownership.
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Following an extensive global search, U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker settled on Pochettino as the best fit to manage the Stars and Stripes. The pair previously crossed paths at Southampton and have seemingly held each other in high regards since.
"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” Crocker said. “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."
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U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed a similar sentiment, adding: "Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape. His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
"Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special."
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