Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to “build something special” after being officially confirmed as the new head coach of the United States men’s national team.
Nearly a month after it emerged that the former Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea manager had agreed to take over, Pochettino’s appointment was finally made official on Tuesday.
He will replace Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after a disastrous Copa America campaign that saw the United States become the first host nation in history to be eliminated in the group stage.
Pochettino has coached some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but this is his first time working in international football. He will lead the United States national team on home soil for a World Cup in 2026.
“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about soccer for me, it’s about the journey this team and this country are on,” said Pochettino, who arrives in the United States on Wednesday.
Mauricio Pochettino has been officially confirmed as the new USMNT head coach
He will replace Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after a disappointing Copa América.
‘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 as passionate as the players was one I couldn’t pass up.
“I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we will build something special that the entire nation can be proud of.”
With Pochettino’s hiring to manage the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams, it means that Chelsea’s first-team men’s and women’s managers from last season are now in charge of the U.S. senior national teams after Emma Hayes was hired for the U.S. women’s national team.
Pochettino’s appointment is a statement of intent by US Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Pochettino has coached some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but this is his first international job.
The appointment was confirmed Tuesday night, shortly before the USMNT tied New Zealand in Cincinnati.
Following the disappointment of the Copa America, the United States fell 2-1 to rival Canada over the weekend.
Mikey Varas served as interim coach for the games against Canada and New Zealand, which ended in another disappointment.
After Christian Pulisic put the United States ahead with 21 minutes remaining, New Zealand scored a late equaliser through Ben Waine.
The USMNT drew 1-1 with New Zealand on Tuesday despite Christian Pulisic’s second-half goal
Pochettino’s first game in charge will be next month, when the USMNT take on Panama in Texas.
“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” said US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker.
‘His track record speaks for itself and I am confident he is the right choice to harness the immense potential of our talented team.
“We are delighted to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”