The Mauricio Pochettino era of the U.S. Men’s National Team began in earnest on Tuesday, when it was announced that the accomplished Argentine manager had agreed to lead the team through the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“First of all, I am so happy and so excited to be part of your family - our family now - (as) the Head Coach of the Men's National Team,” Pochettino told ussoccer.com in his first interview since arriving in the country on Wednesday.
Already a renowned manager across Europe on the club level, Pochettino will be formally introduced at a press conference on Friday morning in New York City (11 a.m. ET; U.S. Soccer YouTube).
With negotiations now behind him, the 52-year-old is enjoying this moment and looking forward to starting preparation for the MNT’s October camp that begins in Austin, Tx. in early October.
“It's an honor for me, and I am so excited,” he said. “I think it's a massive challenge that we have ahead. Myself and all my staff that is going to arrive with me, we are all so motivated and so excited. We cannotwait to start now.”
Pochettino’s first match will take place on Oct. 12 when the MNT takes on Concacaf counterparts Panama in a friendly match at Austin’s Q2 Stadium, which will additionally serve as the Hispanic Heritage Match presented by AT&T (9 p.m. ET; TNT, Telemundo, Universo, Max, Peacock, Fútbol de Primera Radio; TICKETS).
Following the team’s time in Texas, they’ll then travel to Guadalajara for a notable first road match for the new manager. From Estadio Akron, Pochettino will lead the USMNT against rivals Mexico in the two teams’ first meeting since the U.S. were victorious in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Final in March (10:30 p.m. ET; TNT, Max, Fútbol de Primera Radio).
“I can't wait for the next game, and our first camp,” he said. “It's a dream that will be true, and, of course, I am so excited about that.”
Beyond September, Pochettino is already setting his sights on 2026 and beyond.
“We need to create something special,” he said. “That is the most important thing, that the players need to feel that it'snot only a game of soccer. It'smore than this. It'sdeeper. Our responsibility is to provide the platform, the belief, and they need to dream big.”
Get tickets to see Pochettino in action on Oct. 12 at Austin’s Q2 Stadium by clicking here.
