Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take the helm of the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT), according to a report by ESPN. While the deal is not yet finalized, Pochettino's appointment marks a significant step for US Soccer as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
Pochettino engaged in extensive discussions with Matt Crocker, the technical director of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), before deciding to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the national team's head coach. Pochettino brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed top-tier clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1 and Chelsea in the Premier League.
During his tenure at Chelsea, Pochettino led the team to a sixth-place finish in the 2023-24 Premier League season, with a record of 18 wins, nine draws, and 11 losses. Despite his success at the club level, current financial negotiations with Chelsea are delaying the finalization of his contract with the USMNT.
The USMNT has faced challenges recently, notably failing to advance to the knockout stage at the Copa America held in the United States between June and July. With the spotlight now on the upcoming World Cup, the USSF is keen to secure a world-class coach who can guide the team through the qualification process and achieve success on the global stage.
Prior to selecting Pochettino, the USSF had pursued Jurgen Klopp following his departure from Liverpool this summer, but those efforts did not materialize. The organization is scheduled to hold a regular board meeting on August 23, with the possibility of a special meeting to finalize the coaching appointment.
Pochettino's commitment to the USMNT is a promising development for American soccer fans and stakeholders, who are hopeful that his leadership will propel the team to new heights in the upcoming World Cup and beyond.
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Mauricio Pochettino agrees to coach U.S. men's football team, report
cgtn.com
