The United States claims the leading position in coaching preceding the 2026 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino, previously of Chelsea, is now heading the USA's football team as their national coach, building up for the 2026 World Cup, which the USA will be co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. At present, the team, headed by ex-BVB player Pulisic, is facing a challenge, having lost four games in a row with no wins. There's a growing anticipation and high expectations from the fans.
Following Pochettino's appointment, the US team drew 1:1 against New Zealand in a friendly match. Interim coach Mikey Varas managed the USMNT then. Christian Pulisic, the 25-year-old AC Milan pro, opened the score for the USA, but Ben Waine from the Mansfield Town club equalized late in the game for the underdogs. After the match, Pulisic expressed his disappointment, but remains hopeful for better days.
The US Soccer Federation introduced Pochettino as the successor to Gregg Berhalter just 30 minutes before the game began. The US had lost to Canada 1:2 a few days prior. Now, it falls upon Pochettino to lead the team to victories in their upcoming games against Panama and Mexico in October, and ultimately, to the 2026 World Cup. Mikey Varas expressed his enthusiasm for the turn of events, praising Pochettino's skill and talent.
Pochettino's past achievements
Matt Crocker, the US sporting director, is optimistic about Pochettino's appointment. Crocker said that Pochettino is a proven winner with an impressive track record. He believes that Pochettino has the ability to unleash the full potential of the talented US squad.
Pochettino has worked with some of the world's top players, like Harry Kane, leading Tottenham's successful years at the end of the previous decade and even reaching the 2019 Champions League final. At PSG, he guided the team to win the cup and the league with stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar on board.
Pochettino will become the highest-paid national coach in US history, earning an annual salary of around six million dollars. Other high-profile candidates like German coaching legend Jürgen Klopp and Hoffenheim's Pellegrino Matarazzo were also considered. Pulisic and former Schalke player Weston McKennie are two prominent figures on the US team.
After securing the position, Pochettino announced his plans to integrate soccer techniques he learned from his time at top European clubs into the US national team's training sessions. Despite the current struggles, Pulisic expressed his belief that working under Pochettino would significantly improve their performance on the field.
