36 days had passed and there was no news regarding the new US Men’s National Team. Not long after they endured a Copa America exit, the recent Paris Olympics was also a mere disaster for the Star and Stripes (except the ladies who won gold). Though countless names have been made on the USSF’s table, Mauricio Pochettino seemed a real possibility for leading the golden generation, a candidate that even Alexi Lalas feels can be ‘inspirational‘ to Christian Pulisic and Co. And just hours after Lalas said this, Pochettino has shaken hands to be the next USMNT boss. 

In the latest episode of his very own State of the Union podcast, the US icon briefly delved into the job description of the next USMNT coach. Lalas claims that with the Eagles hosting the 2026 World Cup, managing the host nation makes the job more ‘unique,‘ not just for the tournament but beyond the future. “Less than two years, this person’s job, if it’s Pochettino or anybody else, is to not only get us the wins and provide the X’s and O’s on the field but also to excite us and to inspire us in the same way that Emma Hayes has done,” said Lalas.

The pundit then underlined what’s all in the job beyond drawing up the positive results: “It’s not just about winning, yes winning is a huge component of it, but in this unique moment, situation, you have to be that proverbial pioneer.” Lalas continued, “You have to be the ambassador, spreading the gospel and that’s somebody that I want. Can Pochettino do that? Maybe. In a different way, his English isn’t great but I do think he can be that inspirational type of person that everyone says.”

Seems like Pochettino has the approval of Lalas to lead the MNT to greatness. In fact, the deal is closer than expected!

Mauricio Pochettino all set to be the next USMNT head coach!

Despite other candidates making the cut for the potential manager’s list, Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take up the USMNT job. The talks had been going on with the 52-year-old for quite some time, with many in the USSF pool in favor of him. Though the Argentinian has enough club experience, having worked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, and Chelsea, Poch has never managed a national team before.

Regardless, the South American tactician was a favorite for many. Not to mention, he has worked with a locker room trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Kylian Mbappe at the Parisian club. Likewise, the likes of Harry Kane at Spurs and helping many Chelsea stars like the remarkable rise of Cole Palmer prove to be instances that show he can handle the likes of Christian Pulisic and other young talents like Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, and Florian Balogun.

Coincidentally, Pochettino has also worked with the current U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker during his Southampton days, making it easier for him to arrive in the U.S. All of these factors made him a remarkable hiring for the US Soccer Federation. Yet, the question is – will he be able to turn the tides for USMNT? Let’s see if fans get to witness what they have been wanting for a long time.