In a major move that has electrified the soccer world, Mauricio Pochettino has been announced as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. U.S. Soccer confirmed on Tuesday that the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur Boss will take charge as the team gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Pochettino, who parted ways with Chelsea in May after a single season, is taking the reins of the national team at a critical time. With the U.S. set to play a pivotal role as co-hosts in 2026, the appointment of a high-profile coach signals the country’s intent to compete at the highest level on home soil.
The Argentine coach is widely known for his successful spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, where he developed a reputation for building competitive squads and nurturing young talent. His track record of success made him the ideal candidate to lead the U.S. team, which has been without a permanent coach since Gregg Berhalter was dismissed following a disappointing exit from the Copa America.
Pochettino expressed his excitement about the new role, emphasizing that this decision was about much more than just soccer. In his statement, he spoke of the “energy, passion, and hunger” within U.S. soccer and the opportunity to build something truly special.
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“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me,” Pochettino said. “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.”
Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director, praised Pochettino as a “serial winner” with a proven track record of developing players and leading teams to success. He believes Pochettino is the perfect fit to guide the U.S. team to new heights as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
“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,”Crocker said.
With the World Cup just two years away, Pochettino’s arrival signals a fresh start for the U.S. team. The Argentine will focus on building a squad capable of competing against the world’s best, with the added pressure of performing on home turf. His experience and ability to foster young talent could be key to transforming the U.S. into a serious contender in 2026.
As Pochettino takes charge, the U.S. soccer community is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Fans are hopeful that his leadership will usher in a golden era for the national team, one that could see them make a historic run in the 2026 World Cup.