Mauricio Pochettino: Manager vows to 'build something special' after being appointed USA boss ahead of 2026 World Cup
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/02/image-dfe2a7b1-16b3-40a7-aa20-5e002e65941a-68-310-310.jpeg)
Published 11/09/2024 at 08:31 GMT+1
React to this story
Mauricio Pochettino will lead the United States to the 2026 World Cup on home soil after being appointed as manager. The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss said he wants to "achieve something truly historic" in his first international job, after departing Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. The USA will host the biggest-ever World Cup in two years' time with Canada and Mexico.
‘Nobody wants to face him’ – Messi absence gives Colombia ‘peace of mind’ ahead of Argentina clash
Video credit: SNTV
Mauricio Pochettino said he is aiming to “achieve something historic” after being named as head coach of the United States men’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
The appointment of the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss was confirmed on Tuesday night ahead of the USMNT’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
Pochettino, 52, had been heavily linked with the position following his departure from Chelsea at the end of the 2023/24 season.
"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," Pochettino said.
"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."
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, with an expanded 48-team format taking place across three nations: the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The USMNT reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but haven’t been beyond the quarter-finals since the inaugural tournament in 1930, when they finished third.
Pochettino succeeds Gregg Berhalter, who was sacked in the wake of a group-stage exit at the Copa America in the summer, which they hosted.
"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker.
- 'I definitely don't feel comfortable' - Carsley speaks on England interim position
- Ronaldo backs Mbappe to win Ballon d'Or at 'best club ever' Madrid
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage."
Pochettino is the second former Chelsea boss to join the United States set-up this summer following the appointment of Emma Hayes as manager of the women’s team.
The Argentinian, who started his managerial career with spells at Espanyol and Southampton, left Stamford Bridge after just one tumultuous season in charge, in which he led the Blues to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
The USA lost 2-1 to Canada and drew 1-1 with New Zealand during the September international break under the guidance of interim boss Mikey Varas in their first games since the summer’s Copa America disappointment.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/10/4038882-81915288-2560-1440.jpg)
Nagelsmann says 'Bundesliga is not a top league' after Koeman axes Bergwijn
Video credit: SNTV
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement