Pochettino Set To Become U.S National Team Head Coach

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), according to multiple reports.

This decision follows the dismissal of former coach Gregg Berhalter after the USMNT’s disappointing group-stage exit in the recent Copa América.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news via X on Thursday, stating, “Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the U.S. to World Cup 2026.”

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The Athletic also corroborated this, reporting that Pochettino has agreed to take on the role.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pochettino’s appointment is a significant move for U.S. Soccer, marking the acquisition of a high-profile manager with a proven track record at the club level.

His accomplishments include leading Southampton to an eighth-place Premier League finish, guiding Tottenham Hotspur to record league finishes and a Champions League final in 2019, and securing a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Most recently, Pochettino managed Chelsea, leading the team to a sixth-place finish and European qualification in the 2023-24 season. Despite his lack of national team experience, his hiring aligns with U.S. Soccer’s ambitions to invest in top talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

U.S. Soccer’s sporting director, Matt Crocker, emphasized the federation’s commitment to securing top-tier talent, noting that it was a priority investment. Crocker and Pochettino have a history of working together during their time at Southampton, where Crocker was in charge of the club’s academy.

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Pochettino is known for his tactical approach, focusing on positional play, space domination, and an aggressive pressing style, which he will bring to the USMNT as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

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