Mauricio Pochettino Outlines Ambitious Goals as New US Men’s Soccer Coach

Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach of the US men’s national soccer team, has laid out his grand vision for the squad, emphasizing a desire to compete with the best teams globally and to achieve success on the world stage.

Pochettino, a highly regarded figure in soccer with a storied coaching career, was officially introduced as the new USMNT head coach this past Tuesday. His appointment followed the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, who was unable to advance the team beyond the group stage of the Copa America held in the US over the summer. The hiring of Pochettino, who previously managed top European clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain, was the result of a thorough and lengthy selection process.

The announcement came just before the national team’s uninspiring 1-1 draw against New Zealand in a friendly match in Cincinnati. This result extended the USMNT’s winless streak to four games, a record that highlights the challenge facing Pochettino as he takes charge. The opening goal in the match was scored by Christian Pulisic, the team’s standout player and captain, who voiced his frustrations about the team’s current state.

“There’s a lot of things that need to change and just the mentality and the culture of the group,” Pulisic remarked after the game. “I think we have the quality, but I know, hopefully, that that’s the first thing that he’s going to want to change.”

In response to Pulisic’s comments, Pochettino expressed empathy and understanding. He acknowledged the captain’s concerns and affirmed his commitment to improving the team’s performance. However, Pochettino also stressed that the foundational culture of the team is positive and that his primary focus is on enhancing their competitive edge.

“The culture is there, and it’s a good mentality,” Pochettino said  Don Riddell at a news conference in New York. “What we need to focus on now is competing better. We have talented players, but we need to ensure that we compete at the highest level and apply our ideas effectively.”

Pochettino’s first test will come during the upcoming friendlies, starting with a match against Panama in Austin on October 12, followed by a game against Mexico. The ultimate goal for Pochettino and his team is to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament presents a significant opportunity for the USMNT to showcase their growth and ambition on home soil.

“To be involved in the World Cup is a dream come true,” Pochettino said, reflecting on the scale of the event. “It’s a massive occasion, and we are excited not only to improve the team but also to be part of such an incredible event.”

While the USMNT’s prospects are promising, many of their key players, including Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and others, are based in Europe, competing in some of the continent’s most prestigious leagues. This international experience will be crucial as Pochettino integrates his plans for the team.

Pochettino brings an impressive resume to his new role. His coaching career began with Espanyol in Spain, followed by notable successes with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. At Tottenham, he led the team to their first UEFA Champions League final. Although his tenure with Paris Saint-Germain didn’t culminate in a Champions League win, he did secure domestic titles and cups. His most recent stint with Chelsea was brief but included achieving European football qualifications before his departure.

The appointment of Pochettino echoes the recent success of Emma Hayes, the new head coach of the US women’s national team, who has already achieved significant success with the USWNT, including an Olympic gold medal. Pochettino has praised the USWNT program as a source of inspiration and described Hayes as “the best coach in the world,” setting a high bar for the men’s team.

As Pochettino embarks on his journey with the USMNT, he remains undeterred by superstitions or challenges. Reflecting on the timing of his announcement on Friday the 13th, Pochettino humorously dismissed any concerns, stating that he signed his contract days earlier and was ready to focus on the task ahead.

With Pochettino at the helm, the USMNT is set to embark on an exciting new chapter, with hopes high for a strong showing in the 2026 World Cup and beyond.