Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly accepted the position of head coach for the United States Men’s National Football Team (USMNT), according to ESPN on Thursday. While a formal contract has yet to be signed, the Argentine manager’s agreement marks a significant milestone for U.S. soccer as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino engaged in extensive discussions with Matt Crocker, the technical director of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), before agreeing to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the national team’s coach. Crocker was tasked with recruiting a world-class leader capable of not only guiding the USMNT to qualify for the World Cup in two years but also making a deeper run in the tournament.
Bringing a wealth of experience from Europe’s top leagues, Pochettino previously managed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1 and Chelsea in the English Premier League. He departed Stamford Bridge after the 2023-24 season, during which Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League with 18 wins, nine draws, and 11 losses.
The USMNT faced challenges earlier this year, failing to advance to the knockout stage of the Copa America hosted on home soil between June and July. With the United States co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, there’s increased pressure to assemble a competitive squad under expert leadership.
Before reaching out to Pochettino, the USSF pursued Jürgen Klopp, who parted ways with Liverpool this summer, but negotiations were unsuccessful. The federation is scheduled to hold a regular board meeting on August 23, with the possibility of a special meeting to finalize coaching appointments, according to ESPN.
One obstacle remains before Pochettino can officially take charge. He reportedly has unresolved financial matters with Chelsea, which must be settled before he can sign a contract with the USMNT. Both fans and officials are eagerly awaiting the resolution of these issues.
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Mauricio Pochettino agrees to coach U.S. men's football team, report
cgtn.com
