Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named the new coach of the United States (USA) men’s team, US Soccer announced in a statement.
Pochettino, who parted ways with English Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins of the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
KEEP READING
list of 4 items
Amid the war in Gaza, Palestine dares to dream of FIFA World Cup 2026
Alaa al-Dali: The Gaza para-cycling star fighting for a shot at glory
In troubled Taiwan China waters, a swimming race provides rare hope
Winning the mental game: Football as a fix in Africa’s largest refugee camp
end of list
The Argentinian, a former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager, said his decision to join US Soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he could not pass up the opportunity.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“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.”
US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.