Unlikely coup for US soccer: Famed former coach at major European clubs agrees to lead men’s national team
In a surprising coup for U.S. men’s soccer, which has struggled in recent international tournaments despite a generation of acclaimed talent, one of the world’s best-known coaches has agreed to lead the national team through the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America.
Mauricio Pochettino of Argentina, most recently the coach of Chelsea in the English Premier League, has reportedly agreed to terms with U.S. Soccer, which governs both the men’s and women’s national teams. No contract terms have been announced, but it seems virtually certain Pochettino will be paid well into the millions, far more than any previous coach for either U.S team.
Former men’s team coach Gregg Berhalter was fired last month, ending two controversial stints in charge, after the U.S failed to advance from the first round of Copa America, the high-profile tournament for national teams from North and South America.
