Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named the head coach of the United States men’s national football team. US Soccer made the announcement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Mexico and Canada. Pochettino, an Argentinian with previous managerial experience at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Tottenham Hotspur, will lead the team after a disappointing Copa America campaign, where the USA exited early under the guidance of former coach Gregg Berhalter. Berhalter, who coached the team during the 2022 World Cup, was dismissed after a public dispute with one of the team’s young stars, Gio Reyna, and poor performances in the Copa America.
Pochettino expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting the passion and energy surrounding the US team and his belief in the potential of the players. US Soccer’s Sporting Director, Matt Crocker, praised Pochettino’s record of developing talent and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team to success on the global stage. The USA men’s team is currently in a transitional phase, preparing for friendlies against Panama and Mexico in October as they build towards the 2026 World Cup.
The Good:
- Renewed Leadership: Pochettino’s appointment offers a fresh start for the US men’s national team after their disappointing Copa America campaign. His extensive experience at top clubs such as PSG, Tottenham, and Chelsea positions him as a strategic thinker capable of turning the team’s fortunes around.
- Boost for American Football: The USA, as one of the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, now has a seasoned international coach at the helm, which will heighten interest in football across the nation. His presence could attract more fans, particularly in a country where football is still growing.
- Youth Development Focus: Pochettino has a reputation for nurturing young talent. With a young and promising squad, including players like Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic, his expertise will be vital in unlocking their potential, making the US team more competitive.
- Global Recognition for US Soccer: The appointment of a high-profile coach like Pochettino raises the stature of the US team globally. This move can bring more international attention and legitimacy to a squad that is striving to be seen as a serious contender on the world stage.
- Increased Expectations: With a top-tier coach like Pochettino, there will be heightened expectations for the US to perform well in the 2026 World Cup, which can further motivate both players and fans alike to invest more in the sport.
The Bad:
- Pressure to Deliver: Pochettino will face enormous pressure to produce immediate results, especially since the US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The expectations to outperform previous campaigns could weigh heavily on both the players and the coach, leading to stress and possible burnout.
- Tactical Adjustments: Pochettino’s system is known for its complexity and high demands, which could be challenging for the current US squad. There may be a steep learning curve for players unfamiliar with his tactical approach, potentially leading to short-term struggles.
- Time Constraints: With the World Cup just two years away, Pochettino has limited time to instill his footballing philosophy and make necessary changes to the team’s playing style. This could prove to be a significant obstacle, as building team chemistry and cohesion often requires time and patience.
- Berhalter Legacy: The shadow of Gregg Berhalter’s controversial tenure may still loom over the team. Public spats, such as his highly-publicised conflict with Gio Reyna, could resurface, causing distractions that may undermine the new management’s efforts to rebuild.
- High Turnover Risks: A change in leadership often brings about significant roster shakeups. While this can be beneficial, it could also disrupt the squad’s morale, especially if key players from the Berhalter era find themselves sidelined in favour of newcomers better suited to Pochettino’s style.
The Take:
The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the United States men’s national football team coach is a significant development ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the team’s underwhelming performance in the recent Copa America tournament and a turbulent coaching history, Pochettino’s arrival signals a new chapter for American football. His experience managing high-profile clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea gives him the credibility and tactical acumen needed to lead a national team aspiring to achieve global success.
One of the most striking elements of Pochettino’s appointment is the timing. The USA will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, placing immense pressure on the national team to perform well on home soil. For a country where football still trails behind other sports like basketball, baseball, and American football in popularity, this World Cup presents an opportunity to elevate the sport’s profile. Having a world-renowned coach like Pochettino adds further weight to this ambition, as his presence may attract more fans, players, and media attention to the sport in the US.
Pochettino is no stranger to managing big teams with lofty expectations. His successful stints at Tottenham Hotspur, where he led the club to a Champions League final, and at Paris Saint-Germain, where he managed world-class talent, prove that he can handle the pressures that come with leading a high-stakes squad. His most recent tenure at Chelsea, though short-lived, provided him with valuable experience in navigating the unique demands of the Premier League, one of the most competitive leagues in the world. It is this wealth of experience that US Soccer is banking on to propel their national team forward.
The challenge ahead for Pochettino lies in building a cohesive unit out of a team that has struggled to live up to its potential. Despite the abundance of young talent, such as Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, the team’s performance under Berhalter was marred by inconsistent results and public feuds, notably the controversy surrounding Berhalter and Reyna. Pochettino will need to mend these internal divisions and foster a sense of unity if the US team is to realise its ambitions in the upcoming World Cup.
Tactically, Pochettino is known for his pressing style of play, high energy, and an emphasis on youth development. This bodes well for a US squad that has a relatively young core of players. His track record of developing players like Harry Kane at Tottenham and Kylian Mbappé at PSG shows his ability to nurture talent and help them flourish on the international stage. However, this style of play requires a high level of fitness, coordination, and tactical understanding, all of which will take time to implement effectively within the squad.
While Pochettino’s appointment has been widely lauded, there are potential pitfalls. The limited time before the 2026 World Cup means that Pochettino will have to work quickly to embed his ideas and philosophy into the team. Additionally, the weight of expectation is enormous. American football fans will be hoping that his hiring signals a turnaround from the disappointing performances seen under Berhalter, particularly in the recent Copa America. There is also the possibility that, in his quest to build a new team, Pochettino may have to make some tough decisions, potentially alienating players who were key under the previous regime.
Despite these challenges, Pochettino’s appointment is an optimistic step forward for US Soccer. His proven ability to manage top-tier talent, coupled with his vision for developing younger players, aligns with the US team’s current needs. More importantly, it offers hope to American football fans that their team can be competitive on the world stage, particularly as they prepare to host the biggest sporting event on the planet. If Pochettino can harness the potential of this young team and build a cohesive, unified squad, the US could surprise many in the 2026 World Cup.
