After a lengthy wait, Mauricio Pochettino has officially been named the new head coach of the U.S. men’s national team. U.S. Soccer announced the hiring on Tuesday evening, following the formal approval of Pochettino’s contract by the federation’s board of directors. His contract will run through the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino will not be coaching the USMNT in the upcoming friendly against New Zealand. However, he will be flying to the U.S. this week and will be holding an introductory news conference in New York on Friday. His first time in charge of the team will be in October.
The announcement of Pochettino’s appointment was delayed for almost a month due to negotiations with his camp, lawyers, and officials at Chelsea, his former club. The negotiations involved resolving financial obligations owed to Pochettino by Chelsea, which ultimately led to a deal that allowed U.S. Soccer to secure his services at a reduced price.
The financial aspects of Pochettino’s contract were supported by a philanthropic gift from billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, along with contributions from other partners. This support will likely make Pochettino the highest-paid USMNT coach ever.
Pochettino brings a wealth of experience to the USMNT, having previously managed top clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain. His tactical acumen and track record of success make him a significant addition to the team.
The process of bringing Pochettino on board involved detailed discussions and meetings between him, U.S. Soccer executives, and coaching staff. Pochettino’s understanding of the squad and detailed questions about the team impressed U.S. Soccer officials and played a significant role in his appointment.
Pochettino will be joined by a core group of assistant coaches who have worked with him at previous clubs. Together, they will work towards building a successful team that the nation can be proud of.
As Pochettino begins his work with the USMNT, he will have the support of a dedicated staff and resources to help prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup. His experience and strategic approach will be crucial in guiding the team towards success on the international stage.