Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino became the new head coach of the United States on Tuesday with the challenge of leading the team to the World Cup that it will host in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) reported.
“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” said Matt Crocker, USSF sporting director.
“The decision to join US Soccer wasn’t just about soccer for me, it’s about the journey this team and this country are on,” Pochettino said.
“The opportunity to lead the U.S. national team in front of fans who are as passionate as the players is one I couldn’t turn down. I see a group of players bursting with talent and potential, and together we’re going to build something special,” he added.
The 52-year-old Argentine, a former manager of Tottenham, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea, could make his debut as head coach of the United States on October 15 in a friendly against Mexico.
He replaces Gregg Berhalter, who coached the US national team from 2018 to 2022, and from 2023 until the last edition of the Copa América. The North American coach won two Nations Leagues (2019-2020 and 2023-2024) and the 2021 Gold Cup during his tenure.
Pochettino will have the challenge of relaunching a team that is coming off a very lackluster Copa America last summer, in which it did not make it past the group stage despite being the host country.
During his coaching career, Pochettino won a Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup at the helm of PSG. He also did an outstanding job with Tottenham, whom they led to the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost to Liverpool.
