Mauricio Pochettino agrees to become USA head coach
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the head coach of the United States men’s soccer team, according to a report by ESPN on Thursday.
The report stated that the Argentine coach, who has been unemployed since leaving Chelsea in May after just one season, will lead the U.S. team into the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A source told the publication that the 52-year-old Pochettino is expected to start his role in time for the U.S. team’s game against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City, Kansas.
The U.S. men’s team has been without a coach since Gregg Berhalter was fired in July, 10 months into his second term, following an embarrassing early exit at the Copa America held on home soil.
Pochettino joined Chelsea before the 2023-24 season, replacing interim manager Frank Lampard, as the club’s new owners aimed to improve the team after they finished 12th the previous season.
Pochettino had signed a two-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for an additional year, but left after a challenging season, even though the team managed a late surge to finish sixth and qualify for European football next season.
