The USMNT hired former Chelsea, Tottenham and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino to lead the team to the World Cup in 2026.
Pochettino replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was fired in July after an early exit from the Copa America. Since then, the USMNT has had its sights on Jurgen Klopp and other top managers on the market. Pochettino’s name was mentioned multiple times, although it seemed like a long shot that he would come to America to coach.
Pochettino rose to prominence by leading Tottenham to their first-ever Champions League Final in 2019. He then went to Paris Saint-Germain where he led them to a Ligue One title. Most recently, he managed Chelsea for the 2023-24 season where he took a team in disarray and led them to European qualification by finishing in sixth place in the Premier League.
Pochettino’s teams are known for playing high-press attacking soccer. This will be an incredibly exciting brand of soccer for US Soccer fans who weren’t happy with the way Berhalter’s teams played. Pochettino is also known for his ability to develop young talent which is pivotal for this USMNT job. He has been criticized for having “outdated” tactics at times but players rave about his man management and his ability to bring a team together. These are all qualities that should work wonders on the USMNT which has been a bit disjointed under Berhalter.
We could see Pochettino on the sideline as early as September 7th when the USMNT takes on Canada in a friendly in Kansas City. The next two years will be massive for the USMNT as they build up to the 2026 World Cup which will take place on home soil in the United States. If you are a real believer in Pochettino, you can bet on the USMNT to win the 2026 World Cup at 30/1 odds.
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