Mauricio Pochettino has been named the head coach of the US Men's National Team. 2024

The US Soccer Federation has named Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team.

Pochettino, 52, an experienced and highly respected manager, has had successful stints with several top European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Known for building teams with a dynamic style of play, he will now take over the helm of the USMNT, using his vast experience and strategy to lead the team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil.

US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker led the global search process and made the final decision to appoint Pochettino as head coach.

“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 believe he is the right choice to capitalize heavily. Our talented squad has potential and we are delighted to add Mauricio as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve global success.”

“The decision to join US Soccer wasn’t just about soccer for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country is on,” Pochettino said. “The energy, passion and hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the US Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as excited as the players, is something I cannot pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together we are going to create something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”

“Mauricio is a world-class coach with a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at the highest levels,” said US Soccer President Cindy Parlo-Con. “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 lead our men’s national team.” are.”

“Hiring Mauricio is another step in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on soccer’s global scene,” said US Soccer CEO JT Bateson. His tireless drive to prepare is exactly what makes us understand the unique talents of this team and this country, and he speaks to our belief that US Soccer is on the verge of something truly special.

This announcement is part of a historic period for US Soccer, coming on the grounds of our Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, Emma to lead our women’s national team. Hiring Hayes, and winning Olympic gold,” Bateson continued. We are building a program that not only wins globally, but also inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we are excited to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey.

As part of the transition process, Crocker appointed Mickey Varas as interim head coach for the matches against Canada last Saturday night and New Zealand tonight. Varas, a rival scout for the USMNT during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and an assistant since 2023, was originally hired as the head coach of the U-20 MNT in November 2021 and his 2023 FIFA U- Topping the group was the under-20 coaching MNT. 20 World Cup in Argentina.

Pochettino brings a wealth of experience from his time in Europe. He began his managerial career with Espanyol in La Liga before moving to the Premier League, where he made a significant impact with Southampton and later Tottenham Hotspur. At Spurs, he guided the team to their first UEFA Champions League final in 2019 and achieved consecutive top four finishes in the Premier League.

After his successful stint in England, Pochettino took over the reins of Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophy des Champions, while also leading the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Pochettino is known for his ability to manage and motivate top-level players and his dedication to developing young talent. Many players who have worked under him have praised his ability to nurture their development and maximize their potential. This focus on youth development aligns well with U.S. Soccer’s long-term strategy to build a strong pipeline of talent for the national team.

Pochettino’s appointment is supported in part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support is provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Qatar, and a number of commercial partners.

Born in Murphy, Argentina, Pochettino enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a central defender, earning 20 caps for the Argentina national team. He played for clubs such as Neville’s Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux.

Pochettino holds a UEFA pro license and is fluent in Spanish, French and English. He will work closely with the U.S. Soccer staff to ensure a smooth transition and lay the foundation for success in future competitions.