Pochettino takes charge of the United States with an eye on the 2026 World Cup

After a season managing Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino is set to embark on a new challenge as the head coach of the United States national soccer team.

This move comes at a pivotal time, as the U.S., along with Canada and Mexico, is gearing up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The appointment of Pochettino, a highly respected coach with a wealth of experience in European football, signals the U.S. Soccer Federation's serious intentions to make a strong impact on home soil during the upcoming tournament.

Pochettino’s arrival is seen as a major coup for U.S. soccer, given his impressive track record at some of Europe's top clubs. Over his career, the Argentine has built a reputation for developing young talent, implementing a high-pressing, dynamic style of play, and achieving success in competitive leagues. His coaching journey began in Spain with Espanyol, where he quickly made a name for himself before moving to the English Premier League. There, he enjoyed successful spells at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, leading the latter to their first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2019. He later took charge of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he won multiple domestic trophies, and most recently, Chelsea, where he navigated a challenging season marked by transitions and rebuilding efforts.

At 52 years old, Pochettino is now taking on the role of national team manager for the first time. This transition from club to international football presents new challenges and opportunities, as he will need to adapt his methods to shorter training windows and the unique demands of tournament play. However, his experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to galvanize a squad make him a promising choice to lead the U.S. team.

The decision to hire Pochettino was reportedly reached after the U.S. Soccer Federation explored other high-profile options. According to sources, they initially approached Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, with hopes of convincing him to take on the role. Klopp, known for his charismatic leadership and success with Liverpool, including a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy, was seen as an ideal candidate to elevate the U.S. team. However, Klopp declined the offer, as he is not currently interested in returning to active coaching after his departure from Liverpool.

In the wake of Klopp’s decision, the U.S. turned their attention to Pochettino, who was also reportedly on the radar of the England national team. Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final, Pochettino emerged as a potential successor. However, it appears that the U.S. Soccer Federation moved quickly to secure his services, recognizing the need for a coach of his caliber to guide the team through a crucial period leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino’s appointment is part of a broader strategy by U.S. soccer to elevate the national team’s standing on the global stage. With the 2026 World Cup being the first to be hosted by three countries and expanded to 48 teams, the stakes are higher than ever. The U.S. is keen to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase its growing soccer culture and compete at the highest level. Pochettino’s experience in nurturing young players will be particularly valuable, as the U.S. team boasts a talented crop of rising stars who have already made their mark in Europe’s top leagues.

His tactical acumen, particularly his preference for a high-energy, attacking style, could transform the U.S. team’s approach. Pochettino is known for his ability to instill a strong team ethic and work rate, qualities that could be crucial for the U.S. as they aim to compete with the world’s best teams. His understanding of the psychological aspects of the game, having worked with some of the biggest names in football, will also be an asset in managing the pressures that come with being a World Cup host nation.

Pochettino’s tenure is expected to begin with a friendly match against Canada on September 8, marking his debut as the U.S. national team coach. This match will be closely watched as it will provide the first glimpse of how Pochettino plans to shape the team in the lead-up to the World Cup. The encounter will also be a chance for him to assess the current squad and start implementing his philosophy.

As the U.S. prepares for the challenges ahead, the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino is a statement of intent. It reflects the ambition of U.S. soccer to make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup and to leave a lasting legacy for the sport in the country. With Pochettino at the helm, the U.S. national team is poised to take the next step in its evolution, building on the progress made in recent years and aiming to compete with the world's elite. The road to 2026 is just beginning, and with Pochettino's leadership, the journey promises to be an exciting one.