In a shocking turn of events, Mauricio Pochettino has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, replacing Gregg Berhalter who was let go following the team’s disappointing Copa America campaign earlier this year. The news of Pochettino’s appointment was first reported by The Athletic back in August and the 52-year-old will now be taking charge of a national team for the very first time in his illustrious career.
Pochettino is set to lead the U.S. team through to the 2026 World Cup, which they will be co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico. His debut as head coach will come in the form of a friendly match against Panama on October 12 in Austin, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter for American soccer.
In his statement upon joining U.S. Soccer, Pochettino expressed his excitement and motivation by saying, “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. The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me.”
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker also had high praise for the new head coach, stating, “Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams. His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad.”
Pochettino’s coaching journey has taken him across Europe, starting with his time at Espanyol in Spain before moving on to leading clubs like Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League. His success at Tottenham, where he guided the team to the Champions League final in 2019, earned him a reputation as one of the top managers in the world.
After a short hiatus, Pochettino took over at Paris Saint-Germain where he won domestic titles but fell short in Europe before departing the club in 2022. He then took a break from football before making his return at Chelsea, only to leave the position earlier this year.
Now, Pochettino finds himself in America alongside fellow former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who currently coaches the U.S. women’s national team. The duo adds a new dimension to American soccer coaching, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the national programs.
As for Berhalter, his tumultuous tenure as head coach saw him rehired last summer after a successful World Cup campaign in 2022, only to face controversy and scrutiny that ultimately led to his departure. Despite the challenges he faced, Berhalter leaves behind a legacy that includes guiding the U.S. to the knockout stage of a World Cup and laying the foundation for the team’s future success.
The appointment of Pochettino signals a new era for U.S. soccer, with high hopes and expectations resting on his shoulders as he looks to lead the team to glory on the international stage. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, American fans can look forward to an exciting journey under the guidance of a proven and respected coach like Pochettino.
