Mauricio Pochettino to become the head coach of the United States USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to become the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT), with the goal of leading the team into the 2026 World Cup, according to sources from ESPN. 

Pochettino, 52, is stepping into this role after a brief hiatus following his departure from Chelsea earlier this summer, where he mutually agreed to part ways after just one season.

Pochettino’s appointment comes in the wake of Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal, which followed the USMNT’s disappointing performance at the Copa América, where they were eliminated in the group stage. 

The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is keen on ensuring that the team is competitive as they co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. 

Matt Crocker, the USSF’s technical director, has been instrumental in the search for a world-class coach, aiming to elevate the team’s performance on the international stage.

Negotiations and Future Plans

While Pochettino has agreed to take on the role, a formal contract has yet to be signed, and the USSF board of directors still needs to approve the deal. A regular board meeting is scheduled for August 23, but a special meeting could be convened sooner to finalize the appointment. 

Reports indicate that Pochettino’s situation with Chelsea remains unresolved, as he is owed money by the club, which could delay the signing of his contract with the USMNT.

Pochettino is expected to be in place to lead the team for their upcoming friendly match against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City. Notably, he will maintain a European base, allowing him to monitor USMNT players competing in major leagues across Europe.

Pochettino’s Coaching Credentials

Pochettino’s coaching resume is impressive, having previously managed top clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). 

He is known for his ability to develop young talent and manage high-profile players, having worked with stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé during his time at PSG. 

His coaching philosophy emphasizes a high-pressing style of play, which could significantly benefit the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup.

His previous experience in the Premier League, where he led Tottenham to their highest-ever points total and a Champions League final, positions him as one of the most qualified candidates to take on this role. 

Pochettino also has ties to American soccer, having coached current USMNT defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and former U.S. players Brad Friedel and DeAndre Yedlin during his tenure at Tottenham.

Broader Implications

Pochettino’s hiring is seen as a major coup for the USSF, especially after attempts to recruit high-profile coaches like Jürgen Klopp were unsuccessful. His appointment is expected to bring renewed optimism and professionalism to the USMNT as they look to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup.

As the soccer landscape continues to evolve, the USMNT’s decision to hire Pochettino reflects a commitment to building a competitive team capable of advancing in international tournaments. With the World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Pochettino shapes the team’s strategy and performance in the coming months.

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