Mauricio Pochettino Begins USMNT Tenure Ahead 2026 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino, appointed as the U.S. Men's National Team head coach in September 2024, is on a two-year contract through the 2026 World Cup, with a reported $6 million annual salary—making him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history. His hiring represents a strategic shift by U.S. Soccer, backed by significant funding from private donors, aiming to elevate the national team's international competitiveness. Pochettino is focused on cultivating a winning culture that demands player discipline and commitment, emphasizing that the national team environment requires full focus rather than social distractions. His roster decisions, including resting key players like Christian Pulisic and giving opportunities to new talents such as goalkeeper Matt Freese, reflect this approach to foster competition and renewal. The team is also preparing for important matches such as the Concacaf Gold Cup, where they face non-Concacaf guests like Saudi Arabia, highlighting the evolving competitive landscape under Pochettino's leadership. These efforts underscore a broader ambition to build a team capable of success on the global stage, especially with the 2026 World Cup on home soil.