Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to join the United States National Men’s Team (USMNT) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine manager has been out of contract since he left Stamford Bridge. The coach has the experience of being the manager of some of the top teams in Europe, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
While at Spurs he led them to the Champions League final in 2019. But they fell short to Liverpool. After a long gap, Pochettino took over at French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in early 2021. In his first season saw PSG lose the Ligue 1 title. The very next season, signed arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi. He managed one of the most star-cast attacking lines in the history of the game. Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, however, the trio could not shine under him.
He usually plays in a high-pressing tactical style, using a 4-2-3-1 shape and an intense counter-press to win the ball back in dangerous situations, often at the expense of the team’s defensive structure. His teams showcase intensity after losing the ball, and they insist on building from the back in control and reaching the opposing half in an organised formation, which is appropriate for international football.
Mauricio Pochettino might be a ban or boon for USMNT
Can he be successful at USMNT? Another Spurs or PSG he will create. The 52-year-old manager will need to understand the situation of the national team presently. Then he needs to use his tactical mind to make the team get in shape. The problem is managing his footballers. He does not have a good relationship or experience of managing big footballers. Pochettino had struggled managing Messi and then Thiago Silva at Chelsa.
Despite his impressive history, there are some inherent dangers to the hiring that must be understood and accepted if U.S. Soccer is to maximise Pochettino’s list of talents while also working past his limitations. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held on home soil in less than two years, Pochettino’s job will be to lead the host nation to tangible success.
