Mauricio Pochettino announced as new USA head coach

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss is venturing into international football for the first time.

The Argentine will lead lead the country into a home World Cup in 2026, when the tournament is played across the States, Canada and Mexico.

Pochettino replaces Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed as head coach after his team failed to qualify for the Copa America this year.

The new appointment was announced on the U.S. Soccer Men's National Team X page late last night.

Introducing... #USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino 🇺🇸

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 10, 2024

In a statement posted on the national team's website, Pochettino said: "The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on.

"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men's National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn't pass up.

"I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."

This will be the 52-year-old's first foray into international management.

He started his coaching career at Espanyol, before going on to impress at Southampton and Tottenham.

He won his first honour at PSG in 2021, winning the French Super Cup. He went on to win a Ligue 1 title in 2022.

Pochettino's first game in charge of the USA will be a home friendly against Panama in Austin, Texas on October 12.

CEO of U.S. Soccer JT Batson said: "Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape.

"His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.

"This announcement is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, coming on the heels of our Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center groundbreaking, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold," Batson continued.

"We are building a program that not only wins on the global stage but inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we’re thrilled to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey."