Intronized as the new coach of the United States for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place largely on American soil (with Canada and Mexico), Mauricio Pochettino was presented as a star to the local press. The former coach of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea spoke about his ambitions at the helm of the USMNT and claims to want to simply win the trophy in 2026, although Team USA has been struggling for a few years.
"Of course, we watched the matches, but it is difficult to judge because I cannot be unfair. The most important thing is to see the potential of the players we have. We have to believe in great things and we have to believe that we can win, not just win a match, but win the World Cup. Not just win a match, but win the World Cup," said the Argentine coach. A major challenge for his players…
Mauricio Pochettino was officially named coach of the United States national team, taking over from Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after a disappointing elimination in the group stage of the Copa America.
Free of any commitment after leaving Chelsea in May 2024, the Argentine coach has been tasked with turning the American team around and preparing it for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Drawing on his experience in Europe at the helm of prestigious clubs like Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and more recently Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino’s main mission will be to build a competitive team.
The former Parisian coach’s objective is to make the Copa America disappointment a distant memory and restore the American team to a competitive level, capable of rivaling on the international stage at this historic 2026 World Cup event. The US Soccer Federation justified this choice by highlighting Pochettino’s qualities in terms of player development and building high-performing teams. Matt Crocker, sporting director of the Federation, described the Argentine as a “serial winner”, believing that his experience with top-level players and his ability to help them progress will be valuable assets for the US national team.
Mauricio Pochettino will begin his tenure with a first test against Panama on October 12. This match will mark the beginning of his work at the helm of the United States, with particular attention paid to implementing his playing style and integrating emerging talents into the squad. Although the exact duration of the contract has not yet been revealed, it is clear that the US Federation is relying on him to oversee the national team’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino’s arrival as coach marks a turning point in the United States’ ambitions, as they aim to shine on the world stage at the next major competition.
Pochettino's World Cup Ambition: Realistic or Overconfident?
While Pochettino's optimism is infectious, some experts question the feasibility of his ambitious target. The US has a rich history of talent, with players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, but the team has struggled to translate this potential into consistent success. In recent years, the USMNT has been plagued by inconsistency and has often fallen short of expectations in major tournaments.
Team USA's Recent Struggles
The US currently ranks 16th in the FIFA world rankings, a significant drop from their peak position in 2014. Their recent performances have been characterized by uninspired displays and a lack of tactical discipline. The US’s most recent World Cup performance in 2022 was a disappointment, and they were eliminated in the round of 16.
Pochettino's Task: Building a Winning Team
While Pochettino has a proven track record of success at club level, coaching a national team presents a unique set of challenges. He will need to assemble a cohesive unit from a diverse pool of players, many of whom play for different clubs and have different playing styles. The United States, 16th in the Fifa ranking, co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada, an event that should, according to the coach, galvanize a team that has never done better in the World Cup than a quarterfinal (in 2002 in South Korea and Japan). Former Chelsea and Paris-Saint-Germain coach, Pochettino was chosen Tuesday by the US Soccer Federation to succeed Gregg Berhalter, who was fired in July after the Americans were eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. And things haven't been going any better since, with only one win in their last seven matches, culminating in a historic home defeat to their Canadian neighbors.
Pochettino's Legacy: A Chance to Leave His Mark
Regardless of whether he can deliver on his bold prediction, Pochettino’s appointment as USA coach is a significant moment for American soccer. He is a high-profile appointment, and his success or failure will have a major impact on the development of the sport in the country. The appointment of a world-renowned coach like Pochettino is a clear indication of the ambition of US Soccer to elevate the national team to a new level of competitiveness.
The Path to Success: A Long and Winding Road
Pochettino's journey with the USMNT will not be an easy one. He will need to overcome internal challenges, build a strong team culture, and inspire his players to believe in his vision. The road to success in international soccer is long and winding, and Pochettino will need to be patient and persistent in his pursuit of glory. His challenge is immense, but his ambition is undeniable.
The Future of American Soccer: A New Era Begins
Mauricio Pochettino's arrival as coach marks a new era for US soccer. It is a time of great opportunity, with a World Cup on home soil, and the potential to inspire a generation of young players. Whether Pochettino can lead the USA to World Cup glory remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his appointment is a statement of intent and a sign that American soccer is ready to take on the world.
