(Reuters) – Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been named new coach of the United States men’s team, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.
The Argentine, who parted ways with Premier League side Chelsea in May after one season in charge, will take the reins in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Pochettino said his decision to join U.S. soccer was not just about football, but about the journey the country was on and he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said Pochettino was a “serial winner with a deep passion for developing players”.
“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.”
Former Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur manager Pochettino joined Chelsea on a two-year deal to replace interim manager Frank Lampard, but left the west London club after a turbulent campaign that saw them finish sixth.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Sonali Paul)
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