US men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino says he wants the United States to become “one of the most powerful countries in soccer” as he prepares for the next international window. He is set to oversee a run of friendlies after the team’s recent World Cup exit, working toward longer-term goals for the program.
Pochettino, who was appointed in 2024 after having managed clubs including Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, is starting a new phase following disappointment at the World Cup two months earlier. Multiple outlets describe the coach’s relationship with US Soccer as moving from a short-term appointment to a longer-term commitment, noting that a contract extension was finalized in August.
Across coverage, the focus includes both upcoming matches and development plans. The US are scheduled to play four friendlies in late September and early October against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Reports also highlight Pochettino’s comments on matters such as player selection, including Folarin Balogun, as well as broader topics involving eligibility and dual-national players, and interest in how the sport is structured for future growth in the United States.
