After parting ways with Chelsea in May, Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the new manager of the US Men’s National Team. In arguably the team’s most pivotal period, Pochettino will help prepare the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup which is set to take place throughout North America.
Mauricio Pochettino Set To Be Appointed As USMNT Head Coach
All Eyes On 2026 World Cup
According to The Athletic’s renowned journalist David Ornstein, Pochettino “agrees to become USA head coach … in USMNT role heading towards the 2026 World Cup.” Thus, he is set to fill the recent vacancy following the sacking of Gregg Berhalter.
The former USMNT head coach failed to meet expectations after their disappointing group stage exit in this summer’s Copa America, opening up an opportunity for a more ambitious manager to prepare them for the upcoming World Cup.
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Considering the fact that America will be co-hosting the world’s greatest sporting event, the former Tottenham Hotspur man inherits serious pressure to deliver on the big stage once again. However, the Argentine has experience managing the most problematic clubs in the world which emphasizes his compatibility with the job.
Pochettino’s Managerial Background
Pochettino fits the mould of a more ‘big name’ appointment. The Argentine made a name for himself in the Premier League back in 2013 with an overachieving Southampton squad before making the jump to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the lack of trophies, Pochettino impressed in London with both a Premier League and Champions League runners-up medal – two of the club’s most noteworthy achievements to date.
After parting ways with the side, he managed the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine won his first major trophies by securing the Ligue 1 title and Coupe De France before joining Chelsea for a one year stint. The Blues finished 5th during his campaign and ended on a five-game winning streak.
Pochettino’s Style Of Play
All throughout his career, Pochettino’s teams have been known for their high-octane style of play. His teams are some of the fittest in the world and focus heavily on high pressure and keeping possession.
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The Argentine typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation on paper, but like all managers nowadays, the team’s in-game shape often looks notably different. At the end of his latest stay in London, he began to utilize an inverted fullback that would step into midfield to create a four-man ‘box’ shape. This tactical move allowed his team to numerically overload the midfield and thus control the pace of the game.
What USMNT Fans Can Expect
Above all else, Pochettino is a great manager. Many of his former players often express how much they love him, as he always develops a personal connection with each individual player. This can help bring the best out of certain people and create a more positive team environment.
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Likewise, he lets his team play with freedom and creativity. Unlike the rigid structures of modern-day systems, the Argentine prefers his players to create solutions as they see fit. Chelsea’s Player of the Year Cole Palmer thrived in such a free role, breaking through the scene under Pochettino’s guidance with 22 goals and 11 assists.
Following years of underachieving, the USMNT needs a more established manager to guide a young team to its untapped potential. Pochettino has the qualities necessary to unlock such potential, and the former Chelsea manager will need to acclimatize quickly in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
