He's a Champions League Finalist. Now he's the USMNT Manager.

Mauricio Pochettino is hired

The U.S. Men's National Team just got its biggest win off the field—and it’s one that could shape the future of American soccer. Mauricio Pochettino, one of the most respected names in European football, has agreed to take the helm as head coach.

I genuinely am still in shock. I cannot believe the USMNT will head into 2026 on home soil with arguably the best available manager after Jurgen Klopp. While this will be Pochettino’s first national team appointment, he will have one of the greatest winning pedigrees among international coaches at the World Cup.

A man who won four Premier League manager of the month awards with Southampton, a Premier League manager of the year award and a Champions League runner-up with Spurs, and won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France with PSG. This is the next USMNT manager.

He’s the man who transformed Tottenham Hotspur into a powerhouse, guiding them to a Champions League final and consistently keeping them in the top tier of the Premier League. His philosophy is rooted in high-intensity, aggressive, and attractive football—a style that could revolutionize how the U.S. plays on the world stage.

As a player, he was a fierce center-back, leaving Argentina for Spain’s Espanyol, and later playing in France with PSG and Bordeaux. He’s worn the Argentine jersey in a World Cup and earned 20 caps for his country. His transition to management saw him return to Espanyol, where he made an immediate impact, rescuing them from relegation and establishing his reputation as a coach who believes in the power of youth and high-octane football.

Pochettino’s magic touch continued in the Premier League with Southampton and then Tottenham, where he pushed the club to new heights, achieving consistent top-four finishes and orchestrating a miraculous run to the Champions League final in 2019. His most recent stints with PSG and Chelsea have only solidified his status as one of the game’s elite coaches.

Landing a coach like Pochettino is a massive coup for the USMNT. A move that signals intent—a bold statement that U.S. Soccer is serious about competing with the best in the world. The only comparable hire in recent history would be Jurgen Klinsmann, but Pochettino brings a far more extensive and successful resume from Europe’s top leagues.

So why would Pochettino take on this challenge? Because he’s a romantic at heart, with a deep love for the game and its history. The World Cup is the pinnacle, and for a man who grew up idolizing Diego Maradona and watched his country lift the trophy twice as a child, the allure of managing on the biggest stage is undeniable. Pochettino has always dreamed of leading a team at the World Cup, and now he has the chance—not just with any team, but with the U.S. on home soil.

What will this mean for the USMNT? Expect a team that’s fit, fearless, and relentless. Pochettino’s style is all about pressing high, winning the ball back quickly, and playing with intensity. His teams are known for their structure, their discipline, and their ability to dominate possession while suffocating opponents. These qualities could redefine how the U.S. plays, bringing a new level of tactical sophistication and energy to the squad.

What will change on the pitch?

Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the head coach of the USMNT represents a significant tactical shift, given his extensive experience in top-level European football and his deep understanding of the game. To predict how he might set up the U.S. team, we can look at the principles that have defined his career, particularly during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, and how these might translate to the international stage.

1. Formation and Structure

Pochettino is known for his flexibility within a generally consistent structural framework. His preferred formations have often been 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, both of which provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking play. At Tottenham, the 4-2-3-1 formation was particularly effective, offering balance between defense and attack. The two holding midfielders provided stability and protection for the back four, while the full-backs were given the freedom to push high up the pitch, creating overloads on the flanks.

Application to the USMNT: Given the pool of players available to him, Pochettino might lean towards a 4-2-3-1 with the USMNT. This setup would allow him to utilize the team’s strengths, such as Weston McKennie’s versatility in midfield and Sergiño Dest’s attacking prowess from full-back. The double pivot in midfield would likely consist of Tyler Adams and McKennie, providing a mix of defensive solidity and box-to-box energy. In this setup, Pochettino could rely on a playmaker like Gio Reyna or Brenden Aaronson in the No. 10 role, tasked with linking the midfield and attack, while Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah operate as wide forwards who can cut inside.

2. Pressing and Defensive Shape

One of Pochettino’s hallmarks is his aggressive pressing style, something he honed to perfection during his tenure at Tottenham. His teams are drilled to press high and recover possession quickly, often within three to five seconds of losing the ball. This pressing system relies on a well-organized, high defensive line and the ability of players to read the game and anticipate the opponent’s moves.

Application to the USMNT: Incorporating this pressing system into the USMNT will require a significant emphasis on fitness and tactical discipline. Pochettino will likely focus on building a high defensive line, with center-backs who are comfortable playing out from the back and full-backs who can support the press by pushing high up the pitch. The U.S. has the athleticism to implement this system, particularly with players like Chris Richards, who have the pace and reading of the game to operate in a high line. In midfield, Adams would be crucial as the anchor, breaking up opposition play and initiating the press.

3. Attacking Play and Transitions

Pochettino’s teams are known for their rapid transitions from defense to attack, often catching opponents off-guard with swift, vertical passing and movement. At Tottenham, he frequently utilized the pace and directness of his wide players to stretch defenses, while the central attacking players would exploit the spaces created.

Application to the USMNT: With the USMNT, Pochettino could replicate this approach by leveraging the speed and directness of players like Pulisic, Weah, and Reyna. His wide forwards will likely be tasked with stretching the field horizontally, creating gaps between the opposition’s full-backs and center-backs, which can be exploited by late runs from midfielders or the center forward. Pochettino might encourage his full-backs to overlap aggressively, providing additional width and crossing opportunities, much like he did with Danny Rose and Kyle Walker at Tottenham.

In terms of transitions, Pochettino will likely emphasize quick, incisive passing moves that capitalize on the speed and technical ability of his front line. For instance, during counter-attacks, we might see a pattern where the ball is quickly shifted from defense to the wide areas, before being played into the feet of a forward who can either take on his marker or lay the ball off to an onrushing midfielder.

4. Use of the Double Pivot

A critical component of Pochettino’s tactical setup, especially during his time at Tottenham, was the use of a double pivot in midfield. This pair of central midfielders had dual responsibilities: shielding the defense and supporting the attack. They were essential in maintaining the team’s shape, recycling possession, and providing a platform for the more creative players to operate.

Application to the USMNT: For the USMNT, this could mean a partnership of Adams and McKennie, where Adams plays the role of the destroyer, breaking up play and covering ground, while McKennie has the freedom to push forward, joining attacks and contributing with his aerial ability. This combination would provide the balance Pochettino values, allowing the U.S. to control games both with and without the ball. Additionally, McKennie’s versatility would enable fluid transitions between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, depending on the game’s demands.

5. Developing Young Talent

Pochettino has a well-deserved reputation for developing young players, something that aligns well with the current USMNT, which is one of the youngest squads in international football. At Tottenham, he played a crucial role in the development of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Eric Dier, turning them into key players for both club and country. His ability to nurture talent will be vital as he works with a U.S. team brimming with potential but still in need of refinement.

Application to the USMNT: Pochettino will likely focus on improving the tactical understanding and technical skills of his younger players. He might work closely with players like Yunus Musah, and Ricardo Pepi, and well… pretty much the whole team! His emphasis on physical conditioning, mental resilience, and tactical discipline will be instrumental in preparing these young stars for the rigors of international tournaments.

6. Man-Management and Building Team Spirit

Another key aspect of Pochettino’s management is his ability to foster a strong team spirit and build a close-knit group. He’s known for creating an environment where players are motivated to give their best and where the collective effort is prioritized over individual glory.

Application to the USMNT: With the USMNT, Pochettino will likely place a strong emphasis on unity and a shared sense of purpose, crucial as the team builds towards the 2026 World Cup. His man-management skills will be vital in ensuring that players from diverse backgrounds and leagues around the world come together to form a cohesive unit. Pochettino’s ability to connect with players on a personal level will help in getting the best out of them, especially in the high-pressure environment of a home World Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure with the USMNT will bring a blend of tactical sophistication, high-intensity football, and an emphasis on youth development. His track record suggests that he will implement a system that is both tactically rigorous and adaptable, allowing the U.S. to compete at the highest level. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino’s influence could be the catalyst that propels the U.S. into a new era of international football success.

There will be challenges, of course. International football is a different beast—less time with players, less room for error. But Pochettino has a proven track record of developing young talent and getting the best out of his squads. His experience with the pressures of European club football will serve him well as he navigates the unique demands of the international game.

It’s kind of wild that in the span of six short months we went from Vlatko Andonovski to Emma Hayes, and Gregg Berhalter to Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino’s arrival brings hope and excitement as we look ahead to 2026. After the USWNT Gold Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the countdown to the World Cup just got a whole lot more exciting.