AUSTIN, Texas — A new era for the U.S. men’s soccer team is set to begin, led by an Argentine coach expected to deliver big results at the 2026 World Cup on American soil.
Mauricio Pochettino, a former manager for professional clubs Chelsea and Tottenham in England’s Premier League, will make his national coach debut for the United States in a pair of exhibitions, leading the Americans against Panama on Saturday night in Austin and three days later against Mexico in Guadalajara.
Pochettino was not around for the first 26 matches of the World Cup cycle while Gregg Berhalter and three interim coaches were in charge. These games are in the first of eight international windows Pochettino will have to evaluate players and develop tactics before the official team reports ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Pochettino suggested patience is in order. The coach, his staff and the players have spent this week not just training but introducing themselves.
Success will be measured by how well the staff and players get to know each other, being organized and sending a clear message from the staff to the players regarding expectations.