USA look to Pochettino for World Cup 26

USA have appointed Argentinian coach Mauricio Pochettino as the man to lead them into World Cup 2026.

• Argentinian coach takes reins of 2026 co-hosts
• Pochettino previously managed club sides Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea
• The 52-year-old's first match at the helm of USA will be 12 October against Panama

FIFA World Cup 2026™ co-hosts USA have announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as men's national team coach. U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker made the news official via a press release on Tuesday.
"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."  

Argentina native Pochettino will experience his first spell as an international coach after previous stops in European football with Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
"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."
Pochettino's first match at the helm of USA will take place on 12 October against Panama in Austin, Texas.