Mauricio Pochettino on Next USMNT Stage: ‘It’s a Fresh Start’

Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team, has spoken about the fresh start in his new four-year contract with U.S. Soccer. Pochettino defined this new chapter as a "new start, a fresh start." This fresh start begins with the first camp since he signed a new contract with U.S. Soccer in August. This contract will keep him as head coach through 2030.

Pochettino, who led the USMNT to the program's first knockout-stage victory since 2002 at FIFA World Cup 2026, is now focused on the next four years leading up to the FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This journey begins later this month with a four-game tour that includes matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada in cities not hosting the World Cup this summer. The 26-player roster for this camp will be announced on September 17, and it will include a mix of experienced and young players.

Pochettino emphasizes the importance of player development and creating a group of professional players who can compete in the right way. He also highlights the need for the USMNT to be competitive and win games in this busy four-year window. Concacaf Nations League, Concacaf Gold Cup in 2027 and 2029, World Cup qualifying starting 2027, and the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, Calif., are some of the competitions on the horizon.

Pochettino believes that the U-23 Men's National Team, led by head coach Steve Cherundolo, can benefit from playing in the Olympics. The U-23 Men's National Team will compete in the Olympics in men's soccer, and Pochettino thinks it is an objective for the Federation and the country to be a contender for the gold medal. With this young group potentially entering the senior National Team, Pochettino sees a chance to create more host country magic.

For the first time in his international coaching career, Pochettino will have a full World Cup cycle to prepare for the next. Pochettino sees his job as a "massive job" and he is excited to take it on. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the principles and concepts to be competitive in every single moment.