Pochettino to Take Charge of USA After England Opportunity Fades
Mauricio Pochettino, the renowned Argentine coach, is set to take the helm of the U.S. Men’s National Team, following the team’s disappointing performance in the recent Copa América and the subsequent dismissal of head coach Gregg Berhalter. The U.S. Soccer Federation has reportedly reached an agreement with Pochettino, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both the coach and the national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.
Pochettino, known for his successful stints at clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, was also in the running for the England national team job. According to reports, he was a leading contender to replace Gareth Southgate, but with the Football Association (FA) opting to appoint Lee Carsley as the interim manager for the September Nations League matches, Pochettino decided not to wait for the England opportunity to materialize. Instead, he has chosen to embrace the challenge of leading the United States on the international stage.
This move represents His first venture into international management after a career largely spent in club football. His coaching journey began in Spain with Espanyol before he made a significant impact in the Premier League with Southampton and then Tottenham Hotspur. At Spurs, Pochettino earned widespread acclaim for transforming the team into a competitive force, leading them to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. His success at Tottenham led to a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he added more trophies to his resume, including a Ligue 1 title.
However, Pochettino’s most recent tenure at Chelsea was less successful. Despite high expectations, Chelsea finished only in sixth place in the Premier League under his guidance, resulting in the team having to play in the playoff for the UEFA Conference League—a competition far below the club’s usual standards. Pochettino’s departure from Chelsea paved the way for Enzo Maresca to take over, while Pochettino was free to explore new opportunities.
The U.S. Men’s National Team, often referred to as the “Socceroos,” has struggled to meet expectations in recent years, with their early exit in the Copa América serving as the latest disappointment. The U.S. Soccer Federation hopes that Pochettino’s wealth of experience and tactical acumen will reinvigorate the team as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The expectations for the U.S. team are high, and Pochettino’s appointment signals the federation’s commitment to assembling a competitive squad capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
While the specifics of his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation have not been disclosed, his appointment is a clear indication that the federation is serious about improving the team’s fortunes. Pochettino’s track record of developing young talent and instilling a strong team ethos aligns well with the goals of the U.S. national team program. The upcoming World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the United States to showcase its footballing prowess on the global stage, and Pochettino’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the team’s success.
For England, the decision to pass on Mauricio may come under scrutiny, especially if the U.S. team flourishes under his guidance. With Lee Carsley set to manage England in the interim, the FA is still in search of a long-term successor to Gareth Southgate. Pochettino’s decision to take on the U.S. job reflects his desire to return to the coaching spotlight and his readiness to take on the challenges of international football.
As the U.S. Men’s National Team embarks on this new journey under Pochettino, the world will be watching closely to see how the team evolves. The 2026 World Cup represents a historic opportunity for the United States, and with Pochettino at the helm, there is renewed optimism that the team can rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances on home soil.
Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team marks a significant moment in both his career and the trajectory of U.S. soccer. As the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino’s experience, tactical expertise, and leadership will be essential in guiding the U.S. to new heights on the international stage.
