CINCINNATI — Mauricio Pochettino was named coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team Tuesday, uniting one of the sport’s most respected club coaches with a program yearning for a breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup.
The 52-year-old Argentine replaces Gregg Berhalter, who, one year into his second term, was fired in July following the U.S. team’s Copa América disappointment. Interim coach Mikey Varas will oversee Tuesday night’s friendly against New Zealand.
Pochettino’s debut is expected to come Oct. 12 against Panama in Austin, followed by a friendly at archrival Mexico three days later.