The Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino became the new coach of the United States on Tuesday, with the challenge of leading one of the three countries that will host the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada.
“Maurice He is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive, competitive teams,” he said. Matt Crockersporting director for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about soccer for me, it’s about the journey this team and this country are on,” he said. Pochettino.
“The opportunity to lead the United States national team, in front of fans who are as passionate as the players, is one I couldn’t turn down. I see a group of players bursting with talent and potential and together we are going to build something special,” Pochettino added.
Probable debut against Aguirre’s Mexico
The 52-year-old Argentine, former coach of Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, could make his debut in charge of the United States on October 15 in a friendly against Mexico, directed by Javier Aguirre.
Replaces Gregg Berhalterwho led the US national team from 2018 to 2022, and from 2023 until the last edition of the Copa América. The North American coach won two Nations Leagues (2019-2020 and 2023-2024) and the 2021 Gold Cup during his tenure.
Pochettino will have the challenge of relaunching a team that is coming off a very lackluster Copa América last summer, in which it did not make it past the group stage despite being the host country.
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In his coaching career, Pochettino He won a Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup at the helm of PSG. He also did an outstanding job with Tottenham, leading them to the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost to Liverpool. Last season he managed Chelsea.
