Pochettino agrees to become new USMNT head coach

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take on the role of head coach for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), with the responsibility of leading the team into the 2026 World Cup, a source told ESPN on Thursday.

The 52-year-old Argentine coach has been out of work since leaving Chelsea earlier this summer after just one season. According to the source, Pochettino reached an agreement to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT head coach following extensive discussions with Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) technical director.

🚨🚨| NEW: Mauricio Pochettino has AGREED to become the next USA head coach. 🇺🇲✅

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Crocker, who has experience with Premier League team Southampton and the English Football Association, was tasked with recruiting a world-class coach to elevate the USMNT’s competitive standing ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Despite efforts to recruit Jürgen Klopp after his departure from Liverpool, Pochettino emerged as the top choice, marking a significant achievement for the USSF.

Pochettino is expected to be in charge for the USMNT’s upcoming match against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 7.