Mauricio Pochettino to Lead U.S. Men's Soccer Team to 2026 World Cup

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to coach the United States men's team. Pochettino, who left Chelsea in May, will lead the team into the 2026 World Cup. He is expected to start by Sept. 7 for a match against Canada. This move follows Gregg Berhalter's dismissal.

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take the helm of the United States men's soccer team, as reported by ESPN on Thursday. The Argentine coach, who departed Chelsea in May after just one season, is set to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

ESPN's sources indicate that the 52-year-old Pochettino is expected to begin his tenure in time for the U.S. team's game against Canada on September 7 in Kansas City, Kansas. The U.S. men's team has been without a permanent head coach since Gregg Berhalter's dismissal in July, following a disappointing performance at the Copa America held on home soil.

Pochettino initially joined Chelsea ahead of the 2023-24 season, stepping in for interim manager Frank Lampard. Despite a rocky start, he managed to steer the team to a sixth-place finish and secure European football for the next season. Pochettino signed a two-year deal with an option for an additional year, but departed amidst a challenging campaign for the west London club.

(With inputs from agencies.)