Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new head coach of the US men’s national soccer team. He will guide the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pochettino’s debut match as head coach will be on October 12 against Panama in Austin, Texas. The Argentinian coach brings extensive experience from successful tenures in Spain, England, and France, starting with his managerial debut at RCD Espanyol in 2009.

“Mauricio is a proven winner with a strong passion for player development and a track record of building cohesive, competitive teams. His experience speaks for itself, and I am confident he is the right person to unlock the full potential of our talented squad. We are excited to have Mauricio join us as we strive for success on the world stage,” said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker in a statement.

The 52-year-old began his managerial career with Espanyol in La Liga, then made a significant impact in the Premier League with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. At Tottenham, he led the team to their first UEFA Champions League Final in 2019 and secured multiple top-four finishes in the Premier League.

Pochettino later managed Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions, and guided the team to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Before becoming a manager, Pochettino had a 17-year playing career across Argentina, Spain, and France, with stints at clubs such as Newell’s Old Boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bordeaux.