Mauricio Pochettino (foto: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino is set to be announced as the new head coach of the United States national team this week, with big expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea parted ways this summer, despite the Argentine coach still being under contract until 2025. Pochettino had led the Blues to European qualification, but the team’s performance fell short of expectations.
After leaving Chelsea, the coach received several intriguing offers, but none caught his interest—until the U.S. Soccer Federation stepped in. The federation offered Pochettino the chance to become the next head coach of the United States national team.
Pochettino will take over a team in need of a turnaround after a disappointing elimination in the Copa América group stage. That result led to the sacking of Gregg Berhalter, prompting the federation to seek a high-caliber replacement.
The official announcement of Pochettino’s appointment has been delayed, but according to AS, it is expected to be made this week. The Argentine coach’s main challenge will be to make the U.S. national team a competitive force ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.
The U.S. Soccer Federation’s interest in Pochettino was so strong that some of its officials traveled to Barcelona last week to finalize the deal. Just three months after leaving Chelsea, Pochettino is now set to lead a new project.