DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Christian Pulisic of United States of America during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino will be the next manager of the United States men’s soccer team, replacing Gregg Berhalter. At a pivotal point for an improving American program, Pochettino is exactly the sort of massive acquisition many fans were hoping for.
The United States’ search for a new manager took most of the summer and included several speed bumps, chief among them when former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp declined the position in July. Pocchetino is a seasoned program leader, however, with extensive experience at the highest levels of European football.
After a 17-year playing career, Pocchetino accepted his first managing position with Espanyol in 2009. Though his teams struggled there, as well as in a shorter stint with Southampton, the Argentinian finally broke through with Tottenham Hotspur in 2014. The Premier League side earned Football League Cup runner-up honors in his first year, and in the 2018-19 season, the team made it all the way to the Champions League final.
In 2021, Pocchetino stepped in as manager with Paris Saint Germain, and in a short time with the club, he added a Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France trophy to his resume. In 84 matches under Pocchetino, the team compiled a 55-15-14 record, the most successful tenure of his career.
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After taking a year away, Pocchetino jumped back into the Premier League when he signed on as Chelsea’s manager in July 2023. Though he managed to guide the club to a winning record and runner-up finish in the EFL Cup, much of his time at Chelsea was marred by disputes with team leadership. He parted ways with the team last May after 51 matches.
With a new, aggressive leader at the helm, it seems like the United States are moving in a position direction ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Not only does the team have an exciting core, led by star Christian Pulisic, but the U.S. will also be co-host in 2026 and do not need to qualify. This gives the team even more time to prepare for tournament play.
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