USA have confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the Argentine set to lead the national team into the 2026 World Cup.
The 52-year-old started his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009, and he has also been in charge of Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea since retiring as a player in 2006.
Pochettino surprisingly left Chelsea at the end of last season, and he will now manage a national side for the first time in his career.
"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said US Soccer's sporting director Matt Crocker.
Meanwhile, US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said: "His passion for the game, his innovative approach to coaching, and his ability to inspire and connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to have him leading our Men's National Team."
CP10 on new #USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/Roj9VQD5vs
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 11, 2024
Pochettino will lead the USA into 2026 World Cup
Pochettino said that "the journey" of the team was one of the main reasons why he decided to take on the role.
"The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on," said the Argentine.
"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men's National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn't pass up.
"I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."
U.S. SOCCER OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THE HIRING OF MAURICIO POCHETTINO AS @USMNT HEAD COACH!!! pic.twitter.com/9LodyoNGMH
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 10, 2024
When is Pochettino's first game in charge?
Pochettino will take charge of USA for the first time on October 12, when the national side tackle Panama in an international friendly, before facing Mexico three days later.
USA, who failed to make it out of the group stage of the 2024 Copa America, are building towards the 2026 World Cup.
In Qatar, the United States made it to the last-16 stage of the competition, and they have reached that round in each of their last three World Cups.
Pochettino is again believed to have been under consideration for the Manchester United job over the summer, but the Red Devils ultimately decided to keep Erik ten Hag at the helm.
Matt Law
