Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the next head coach of the United States national soccer team, according to reports from prominent sports outlets such as The Athletic and ESPN. The 52-year-old Argentine, who was the former coach at Chelsea in the English Premier League, is expected to take over from Gregg Berhalter as the U.S. men’s team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.
Pochettino, who parted ways with Chelsea in May after just one season, has a well-established coaching pedigree. Despite a challenging tenure at Chelsea, where he guided the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, his previous managerial stints have been far more illustrious. His work at Tottenham Hotspur, where he led the club to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019, and his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple domestic titles, have solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in world football.
According to these reports, Pochettino has reached a verbal agreement with U.S. Soccer Federation representatives, including technical director Matt Crocker, who has been instrumental in the recruitment process. However, it is important to note that while terms have been agreed upon, no official contract has been signed as of yet. The delay in formalizing the deal is reportedly due to unresolved financial matters between Pochettino and Chelsea, which need to be settled before he can commit to his new role.
The potential appointment of Pochettino comes at a critical juncture for the U.S. national team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the team will be under intense pressure to perform well on home soil. Pochettino’s experience in managing high-profile teams and his ability to develop young talent could prove invaluable as the U.S. looks to build a squad capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Pochettino’s arrival is anticipated before a scheduled friendly against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City, although this is contingent upon the finalization of his contract. His appointment would mark a significant shift for the U.S. men’s team, which has been under the leadership of Gregg Berhalter since 2018. Berhalter, who led the team to a CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2021 and qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has seen his tenure marred by mixed results and controversy, particularly surrounding his handling of high-profile players and his tactical approach.
The hiring of a coach with Pochettino’s credentials signals U.S. Soccer’s intent to elevate the national team’s profile on the global stage. His track record of implementing a high-pressing, dynamic style of play could resonate well with the youthful, energetic core of the current U.S. squad, which includes rising stars like Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna, and Weston McKennie. Moreover, Pochettino’s ability to cultivate team unity and foster a strong squad mentality could be crucial as the team faces the pressures of hosting a World Cup.
While fans and analysts await official confirmation of Pochettino’s appointment, the prospect of him taking charge has already sparked excitement and optimism about the future of U.S. soccer. If the deal is finalized, Pochettino will have a relatively short window to familiarize himself with the team and implement his strategies before the rigorous preparations for the World Cup begin in earnest. However, given his history of quickly adapting to new environments and getting the best out of his players, there is hope that he can make an immediate impact.
In the meantime, as the soccer world watches closely, the finalization of Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer remains one of the most anticipated developments in international football. His potential leadership of the U.S. team could usher in a new era of competitiveness and success as the nation gears up for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
