USMNT reportedly hiring Mauricio Pochettino as next head coach ahead of 2026 World Cup

The U.S. men’s national team has selected a new head coach following the departure of Gregg Berhalter.

Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, has been appointed as the next head coach of the USMNT, as reported by various sources. Pochettino will succeed Berhalter, who was dismissed after the team’s exit from the Copa América last month, and will guide the team as it gets ready to co-host the World Cup in less than two years.

At 52 years old, Pochettino emerged as a leading candidate in recent days and reportedly met with U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker in Europe last month to discuss the position. Other contenders that were reportedly considered included former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, ex-England coach Gareth Southgate, and Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Pochettino most recently served as the head coach at Chelsea, but parted ways with the Premier League club after one season following their failure to qualify for the Champions League. Prior to that, Pochettino achieved success at Paris Saint-Germain, winning three trophies, including a Ligue 1 title.

Pochettino began his coaching career in the Premier League in 2013 with Southampton, where he worked alongside Crocker. He later spent over five years at Tottenham, leading the team to the Champions League final in 2019.

The decision to dismiss Berhalter was made after the USMNT’s disappointing performance in the 2024 Copa América, where they failed to advance past the group stage. With Pochettino now at the helm, the team aims to make a strong impression in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As the most high-profile coach for the USMNT in nearly a decade, Pochettino’s appointment reflects the confidence of Crocker and U.S. Soccer in his ability to lead the team to success.