Mauricio Pochettino appointed US men’s national team coach ahead of 2026 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino, a renowned Argentinian soccer coach, has been appointed to lead the U.S. men's national soccer team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada. His hiring comes after U.S. Soccer decided to part ways with previous coach Gregg Berhalter, who had been in charge for six years. The decision was influenced by the team's disappointing performance at the Copa América, where they failed to advance past the group stage. Pochettino's coaching career includes successful tenures at top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. His reputation as a 'serial winner' and his commitment to player development were highlighted by U.S. Soccer officials, who believe he is well-suited to inspire and connect with players. His experience in nurturing young talent, exemplified by his work with Harry Kane at Tottenham, is seen as a significant asset for the U.S. team. The U.S. men's national team, currently ranked 16th, is set to play a friendly match against New Zealand soon, although Pochettino will not be coaching that game. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Cup is high, and Pochettino's appointment is viewed as a strategic move to enhance the team's competitiveness on the international stage. With less than two years until the World Cup, Pochettino's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to the team, aiming to elevate their performance and achieve success in a tournament that holds great significance for U.S. soccer.