Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to take charge of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), marking a significant step for U.S. Soccer. This move follows the departure of previous coach Gregg Berhalter after a disappointing group-stage exit in this summer’s Copa América.
Famed football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Thursday via X, stating, “Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the U.S. to World Cup 2026. After contacts with several managers, the former Chelsea and Spurs head coach says yes to the proposal and project.” This information has been further verified by The Athletic, which reported that Pochettino has agreed to take on the role of head coach for the U.S. men’s national soccer team.
Pochettino’s appointment is a landmark achievement for U.S. Soccer, as they secure a manager with an impressive club-level pedigree. His career highlights include steering Southampton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, leading Tottenham Hotspur to their highest-ever league finishes and a Champions League final in 2019, and clinching a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. Most recently, Pochettino guided Chelsea to a sixth-place finish and European qualification in the 2023-24 season.
Although Pochettino has not managed a national team before, his hiring aligns with U.S. Soccer’s ambitious goals, particularly as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer’s sporting director, has emphasized the federation’s commitment to bringing in top-tier talent. “It’s a priority. It’s something we’re prepared to invest in and something that we will be investing in,” Crocker noted.
Interestingly, Crocker and Pochettino share a professional history, having worked together during Pochettino’s tenure at Southampton, where Crocker led the club’s academy. Known for his tactical acumen, Pochettino’s approach emphasizes positional play, spatial dominance, and an aggressive pressing style, making his appointment a promising new chapter for the USMNT.
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