Pochettino Joins USMNT Ahead of 2026 World Cup on Home Soil

Mauricio Pochettino has been named head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held on home soil for the first time in U.S. soccer history. The 54-year-old Argentine brings a wealth of experience across Europe’s top leagues and will look to lead the U.S. to a deep tournament run.

Pochettino replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was fired in July 2024 after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. U.S. Soccer sought a high-profile coach with international pedigree to lead the team during this pivotal moment. Pochettino, who has managed in the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, and the UEFA Champions League, fits that mold.

Since his managerial debut with Espanyol in 2009, Pochettino has built a reputation for developing high-pressing, possession-based teams. His time at Tottenham Hotspur from 2014 to 2019 brought him to the global spotlight, where he led the club to three UEFA Champions League semifinals and a Europa League final. At Paris Saint-Germain, he won two Ligue 1 titles in his two seasons, and his brief stint at Chelsea in 2021 added another dimension to his coaching résumé.

The U.S. is Pochettino’s first national team coaching job. He will be tasked with transforming the team’s identity and bringing in new talent. His 26-man roster for the World Cup is expected to include 12 players making their first appearances at the international level. Pochettino has already experimented with a 3-4-2-1 formation during training, a departure from the traditional 4-2-3-1 that many U.S. teams have used in the past.

Pochettino wants his teams to play with intensity and pressure from the front. He emphasizes building from the back and expects his midfielders to take on a central role in both attack and defense. He has given opportunities to younger players and those outside the usual national team pool, signaling a shift in how the U.S. will approach the tournament.

The USMNT opens World Cup group play on June 12 against Paraguay. The U.S. will also face Mexico and Jamaica in the group stage, with the potential for high-stakes matches that could define the team’s trajectory in the tournament.