OFFICIAL: Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino named US coach

Argentina coach Mauricio Pochettino became the new head coach of the United States on Tuesday with the challenge of leading the team to the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) said. "Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build close-knit, competitive teams," said Matt Crocker, USSF sporting director.

"The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me, it's about the journey this team and this country is on," said Pochettino. "The opportunity to lead the U.S. National Team, in front of fans who are as passionate as the players, is something I couldn't turn down. I see a group of players brimming with talent and potential and, together, we are going to build something special," he added.

The 52-year-old Argentine, a former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea coach, could make his debut in charge of the United States on 15th October in a friendly against Mexico. He replaces Gregg Berhalter, who coached the US national team between 2018 and 2022 and from 2023 until the last edition of the Copa America. The American coach won 2 Nations Leagues (2019-2020 and 2023-2024) and the 2021 Gold Cup in his tenure.

Pochettino will have the challenge of reviving a national team that is coming off a very lacklustre Copa America last summer, in which it failed to advance past the group stage despite being the host nation. In his coaching career, Pochettino won a Ligue 1, French Cup and French Super Cup at the helm of PSG. He also did an outstanding job with Tottenham, taking them all the way to the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost to Liverpool.

 

September 10, 2024