Mauricio Pochettino CONFIRMED as new USMNT manager as former Chelsea boss takes over from Gregg Berhalter

Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to 'build something special' after he was officially confirmed as the new head coach of the United States men's national team.

Almost a month after it emerged that the former Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea boss had agreed to take the job, Pochettino's appointment was finally made official on Tuesday. 

He takes over from Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after a disastrous Copa America campaign that saw the USA become the first host nation in history to be eliminated in the group stages.

Pochettino has coached some of Europe's biggest clubs but this marks the first time he will be working in international football. He will lead the USMNT into a home World Cup in 2026.

'The decision to join US Soccer wasn’t just about football for me, it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,' said Pochettino, who will arrive in America on Wednesday. 

'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 US 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.'

With Pochettino hired to run the USMNT, it means both Chelsea's men's and women's first-team managers from last season are now at the helm of the senior US national teams after Emma Hayes was hired to the US women's national team.

Pochettino's appointment is a statement of intent by US Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The appointment was confirmed on Tuesday night, shortly before the USMNT drew with New Zealand in Cincinnati. 

Following the disappointment of Copa America, the USA were beaten 2-1 by rivals Canada over the weekend.

Mikey Varas served as interim head coach for the matches against Canada and New Zealand, which ended in more disappointment. 

After Christian Pulisic put the US ahead with 21 minutes to go, New Zealand scored a late equalizer through Ben Waine.

Pulisic spoke on Pochettino's hiring after the draw at TQL Stadium. 

'I think just hopefully a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks, win,' Pulisic said of what Pochettino can bring to the USMNT. 'There's a lot of things that need to change in the mentality and the culture of the group.' 

'I think we have the quality. But, I know hopefully that's the first thing he's going to want to change.'

Pochettino's first game in charge comes next month, when the USMNT takes on Panama in Texas. 

'Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,' said US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker.

'His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. 

'We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.'