Mauricio
Pochettino
- Position Head Coach - USMNT
- Date of Birth Mar 02 1972
FIRST MATCH: Oct. 12, 2024 vs. Panama (Austin, TX)
FIRST WIN: N/A
A seasoned and highly respected manager, Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team by the U.S. Soccer Federation on Sept. 10, 2024.
Pochettino, 52, had successful stints with several top European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Known for building teams with dynamic styles of play, he takes the helm of the USMNT, bringing his extensive experience and tactical acumen to lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil.
Pochettino brings a wealth of experience from his time in Europe. He began his managerial career with Espanyol in La Liga before moving to the Premier League, where he made a significant impact with Southampton and later Tottenham Hotspur. At Spurs, he guided the team to their first UEFA Champions League Final in 2019 and consistently achieved top-four finishes in the Premier League.
After his successful tenure in England, Pochettino took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, while also leading the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Pochettino is known for the ability to manage and motivate high-profile players and his dedication to developing young talent. Many players who have worked under him have praised his ability to nurture their growth and maximize their potential. This focus on youth development aligns well with U.S. Soccer's long-term strategy to build a strong pipeline of talent for the national team.
Born in Murphy, Argentina, Pochettino had a distinguished playing career as a central defender, earning 20 caps for the Argentina National Team. He played for clubs such as Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux.
Pochettino holds a UEFA Pro License and is fluent in Spanish, French, and English. He will work closely with U.S. Soccer staff to ensure a smooth transition and to lay the groundwork for success in the upcoming competitions.
