Mauricio Pochettino offically named USMNT head coach

Mauricio Pochettino has officially been announced as the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team, it was announced on Tuesday. Reports on Aug. 15 indicated Pochettino would take the job but multiple hurdles had to be cleared before the move was made official.

Now, Pochettino will lead the USMNT at least through the 2026 World Cup, one the United States will be hosting alongside fellow CONCACAF members Canada and Mexico. A big cycle is ahead and Pochettino has been tasked with the job of helping a golden generation of players reach the next level.

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“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” Pochettino said in a statement. “The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me.

“The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. 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.”

The Argentinian coach has been at some of the biggest clubs in the world, most recently being Chelsea’s manager during the 2023-2024 season. A rocky start in London was too much to overcome despite finishing strong, earning a spot in the Premier League top six and a place in the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea and Pochettino mutually agreed to part ways after the season was completed.

Pochettino earned a pair of trophies while at Paris Saint-Germain — his previous stop before Chelsea — winning the Coupe de France during his first season in charge but failing to earn a league title. That came a year later as PSG won its 10th-ever championship in Ligue 1.

However, what Pochettino is arguably most well-known for is getting Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League Final in 2019. Spurs won dramatically in the semifinals against Ajax and played Liverpool for a chance to produce the greatest accomplishment in the club’s history. Unfortunately, they fell 2-0 in Madrid and saw their domestic rivals lift the trophy instead.

Joining the USMNT will mark a first time in international management for Pochettino. The United States is fresh off a collapse at the Copa America this summer, another event they hosted. Former head coach Gregg Berhalter could not get the team out of the group stages following a win against Bolivia, a loss to Panama, and drawing Uruguay in the final match.

Pochettino will not have too many competitive matches between now and the 2026 World Cup but big expectations are ahead under his leadership.