Pochettino takes over as head coach for USMNT

Argentinian soccer , Pochettino who has led some of Europe’s top club teams over the past decade, has been named to lead the U.S. men’s national soccer team through a much-anticipated run at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer’s sporting director.

After the U.S. team’s 0-1 defeat to Uruguay in a Copa America Group C match in Kansas City, Coach Gregg Berhalter was seen greeting goalkeeper Matt Turner, as the team faces elimination from the tournament.

The U.S. national team is now under increasing scrutiny, with many calling for Berhalter’s dismissal. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new coach would be a significant move, given his high-profile background.

Pochettino, known for his stints at top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, is considered one of the most distinguished coaches ever to be considered for the U.S. men’s national team role.

While Pochettino began his coaching journey in Spain, his rise to prominence came in England with Tottenham Hotspur, where he revitalized the club’s fortunes in the latter half of the 2010s.

His subsequent roles at major clubs have only further solidified his impressive coaching credentials. The prospect of hiring Pochettino is seen as a major step up for a U.S. team traditionally managed by coaches from Major League Soccer.

“His passion for the game, his innovative approach to coaching, and his ability to inspire and connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to have him leading our Men’s National Team,” said U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone.

The 16th-ranked U.S. men’s soccer team is set to play a friendly against New Zealand on Tuesday night, but Mauricio Pochettino will not be at the helm for this match. Pochettino’s first games in charge will be in October, when the team faces Mexico and Panama.

Historically, the U.S. men’s team has underperformed on the international stage, often falling short against nations where soccer is the dominant sport.

Despite this, expectations remain high, especially with the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

The decision to part ways with Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed after the team’s recent struggles, was driven by the upcoming World Cup.

Berhalter, who took over the team six years ago following a failed qualification for the 2018 World Cup, had led the U.S. to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, signaling some progress.

However, the team’s poor showing at this summer’s Copa América, where they did not advance past the group stage, led to growing dissatisfaction among fans and former players, resulting in Berhalter’s departure.

Source: tigpost