The United States men’s national team has recently announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager. Pochettino, a 52-year-old former professional player from Argentina, has signed a two-year contract that will see him leading the team through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This decision comes after Gregg Berhalter was sacked following the disappointing performance of the USMNT at the Copa América.
The U.S. Soccer Federation is confident in Pochettino’s ability to bring success to the team. Sporting director Matt Crocker praised the Argentine for his dedication to player development and his track record of building competitive teams. Pochettino’s coaching pedigree includes stints at top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, where he has worked with some of the best players in the world.
In a statement, Pochettino expressed his excitement for the journey ahead with the USMNT. He highlighted the energy, passion, and hunger within the team and the country as a whole to achieve something historic. The opportunity to lead a talented squad and work towards building a special team that the nation can be proud of was a driving force behind his decision to join U.S. Soccer.
Sources have revealed that Pochettino will be earning a salary of $6 million per year, making him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history. The appointment was made possible by a philanthropic gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder of Citadel and Griffin Catalyst, along with support from other key figures and commercial partners. Despite some delays in the negotiations, Pochettino’s commitment to the role has been seen as a major win for the federation.
The USMNT is currently facing a challenging period, with recent defeats and a lackluster performance in the Copa América. Pochettino will have his work cut out for him as he aims to improve the team’s form and prepare them for the upcoming international competitions. With a talented group of players at his disposal, including stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Pochettino will need to hit the ground running.
As the USMNT looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival brings hope and excitement to fans and players alike. With his wealth of experience and proven track record in coaching, Pochettino is well-equipped to lead the team to success on the global stage. The federation’s decision to bring him on board signals a new era for U.S. Soccer and raises expectations for what the team can achieve in the coming years.
Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as the new manager of the USMNT marks a significant turning point for the team. With high hopes and aspirations for success, Pochettino will be tasked with guiding the team through a challenging period and preparing them for the ultimate test at the 2026 World Cup. Fans and players alike will be eagerly anticipating the impact that Pochettino will have on the team as they embark on a new chapter in their journey towards greatness.