The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Pochettino, 52, a seasoned 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 dynamic styles of play, he will now take the helm of the USMNT, bringing his extensive experience and tactical acumen to lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil.
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker led a 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,” said Crocker. “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.”
“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,” Pochettino said. “The energy, the passion, and the 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.”
“Mauricio is a world-class coach with a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at the highest levels,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “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.”
“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,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “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.
“This announcement is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, coming on the heels of our Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center groundbreaking, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold,” Batson continued. “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 process, Crocker appointed Mikey Varas to serve as interim head coach for the matches against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand tonight. Varas, a USMNT opponent scout during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and assistant since 2023, was originally hired as the U-20 MNT head coach in November 2021 and coached the U-20 MNT to the top of their group at the 2023 FIFA U-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 consistently achieved top-four finishes in the Premier League.
After his successful tenure in England, Pochettino took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, while also leading the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Pochettino is known for the ability to manage and motivate high-profile players and his dedication to developing young talent. Many players who have worked under him have praised his ability to nurture their growth 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 significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners.
Born in Murphy, Argentina, Pochettino had a distinguished playing career as a central defender, earning 20 caps for the Argentina National Team. He played for clubs such as Newell’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 U.S. Soccer staff to ensure a smooth transition and to lay the groundwork for success in the upcoming competitions.