The U.S. Men’s National Team named Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino as its new head coach because the squad begins gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will host.
He arguably has the perfect resume of any USMNT coach, as he had previous stops with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Despite a 26-11-14 tenure with Chelsea in 2023-24, he and Chelsea parted methods earlier this yr.
He replaces Gregg Berhalter after the U.S. failed to exit group play on this yr’s Copa America match.
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“The resolution to be a part of U.S. Soccer wasn’t nearly soccer for me; it’s in regards to the journey that this group and this nation are on,” Pochettino mentioned. “The power, the fervour, and the starvation to obtain one thing actually historic right here — these are the issues that impressed me. The alternative to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in entrance of followers who’re simply as passionate because the gamers, is one thing I couldn’t go up. I see a gaggle of gamers stuffed with expertise and potential, and collectively, we’re going to construct one thing particular that the entire nation will be happy with.”
Pochettino was chosen to lead the nationwide group regardless of having by no means performed or coached for a U.S. group.
U.S. Soccer Federation mentioned Pochettino is “identified for the power to handle and encourage high-profile gamers and his dedication to growing younger expertise.” The U.S. is hopeful to construct a strong core round younger gamers resembling Brenden Aaronson, Yunus Musah, and Joe Scally to play with soon-to-be 26-year-old Christian Pulisic and 24-year-old Josh Sargent.
“Mauricio is a world-class coach with a confirmed monitor document of growing gamers and attaining success on the highest ranges,” mentioned U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “His ardour for the sport, his progressive strategy to teaching, and his potential to encourage and join with gamers make him the right match for this position. We are excited to have him main our Men’s National Team.”
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Because it is internet hosting the World Cup, the U.S. won’t have to undergo the qualification course of. That may enable extra time for Pochettino to check out completely different rosters and mixtures within the two years forward of the 2026 match.
