Mauricio Pochettino Appointed Head Coach of US Men’s National Team

The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

The 52-year-old began his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009 and has since managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, following his retirement as a player in 2006.

Pochettino, who left Chelsea at the end of last season, is set to manage a national team for the first time in his career.

In a press statement, Pochettino remarked, “The decision to join USMNT wasn’t solely about football; it’s about the journey this team and this country are undertaking.”

He added, “The energy, passion, and drive to achieve something truly historic here are what inspired me.”

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker, who led the global search process for the new head coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment:

“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” Crocker said.

“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”

Pochettino himself shared his motivation for joining the U.S. Men’s National Team, stating, “The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on. The energy, passion, and hunger to achieve something truly historic here—those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised Pochettino’s credentials: “Mauricio is a world-class coach with a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at the highest levels. His passion for the game, his innovative approach to coaching, and his ability to inspire and connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to have him leading our Men’s National Team.”

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson highlighted the significance of this appointment: “Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape. His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.”

Batson also noted the broader context of this announcement: “This is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, following the groundbreaking of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, the launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold. We are building a program that not only wins on the global stage but inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we’re thrilled to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey.”

As part of the transition, Crocker appointed Mikey Varas to serve as interim head coach for the matches against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand tonight.