Mauricio Pochettino

Premier League club Crystal Palace has signed 19-year-old American forward/winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake for an £11 million ($15 million) fee, the second-highest upfront fee for an MLS homegrown player. Gozo, who made his MLS debut at 16, recorded 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 matches in 2026 and earned an MLS All-Star selection. He has represented the U.S. at youth levels and was on the supplemental roster for the 2026 World Cup. The five-year deal makes him Palace’s sixth summer signing.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 19, 05:44 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract with U.S. Soccer to remain head coach of the U.S. men's national team through the 2030 World Cup, following a round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded deal includes advisory roles in youth soccer, coaching education, and professional league collaboration. Pochettino called the new cycle a "fresh start" and emphasized developing talent and elevating soccer's status in the U.S. The extension is supported by a charitable donation from Citadel founder Ken Griffin.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 03:32 PM UTC

USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna, 23, is in negotiations to transfer from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, owned by Chelsea's BlueCo consortium. After one season at Gladbach (19 appearances, one goal), Reyna has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, logging just over 500 Bundesliga minutes in 2025-26. Despite this, he was selected for the 2026 World Cup, scoring against Paraguay. The move would be his fourth club in as many seasons.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 4, 09:50 AM UTC

U.S. Soccer has offered head coach Mauricio Pochettino a four-year contract extension to remain with the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, following the team's best-ever group stage performance at the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a Round of 16 exit to Belgium. Negotiations have been ongoing for three months, with Pochettino deferring a decision until after the tournament despite interest from AC Milan. The offer aims to lock in his cultural transformation of the team, emphasizing discipline and professionalism.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:41 PM UTC

FC Andorra defeated Inter Club Escaldes 5-2 in a preseason friendly at Estadi Comunal, attended by Gerard Piqué, Mauricio Pochettino, and Carles Puyol. The match was part of Andorra's preparation for their Segunda División debut on August 15. Calvo and Uzkudun gave Andorra a 2-0 lead by halftime. Inter Club Escaldes, the Andorran Primera División champion recently eliminated from Champions League qualifying, equalized early in the second half. However, substitute Arón Rodrigo restored Andorra's lead, and late goals from Hugo Solozábal and Nacho Quintana sealed the rout. Andorra's next preseason match is against Nàstic de Tarragona.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:35 AM UTC

The Guardian's Football Daily column offers a nostalgic retrospective on the 2026 World Cup, which featured 48 teams, 104 games, and 308 goals. The article lists 48 reasons to cherish the tournament, deliberately excluding geopolitical commentary. Highlights include Mexico vs. South Africa's three red cards, Germany's 7-0 win over Curaçao, Lionel Messi becoming the all-time World Cup top scorer, Scotland fans making Boston their spiritual home, Canada's first-ever World Cup win, and various memorable moments involving players, coaches, and broadcasters. The piece is a lighthearted, fan-focused recap of the event.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:05 PM UTC

Aston Villa are navigating another summer of financial constraints under PSR regulations, having sold Youri Tielemans and set to sell Morgan Rogers for a British-record £100m, recouping £152m total. Despite winning the Europa League and finishing fourth, the club must carefully balance sales with signings. They have brought in Johan Manzambi (£58m) and Joao Gomes (£38m), but may need further sales. The article warns that relying on Unai Emery's managerial brilliance is a ticking time bomb, drawing parallels to Tottenham's decline after Mauricio Pochettino left. Historical examples (Grealish, Rice, Isak, Bale) show that selling elite players for huge fees rarely leads to successful reinvestment, except for Liverpool's Coutinho-to-Van Dijk case. Villa risk falling if Emery departs, as their margin for error is smaller than established top clubs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:29 AM UTC

Aston Villa are navigating another summer of financial constraints under PSR regulations, having sold Youri Tielemans and set to sell Morgan Rogers for a British-record £100m. Despite winning the Europa League and finishing fourth under Unai Emery, the club must sell key players to balance books. They have signed Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes but may need further sales. The article warns that relying on Emery's managerial brilliance is risky, drawing parallels to Tottenham's decline after Mauricio Pochettino left. Historical examples show that reinvesting proceeds from elite player sales rarely succeeds for clubs outside the top tier.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:29 AM UTC

Following Spain's 2026 World Cup victory over Argentina, DraftKings has installed Spain as the +500 favorites to win the 2030 tournament. France (+600), England (+900), and Portugal (+1000) follow. Germany, Brazil, and Argentina are at +1100. The USMNT, after a round-of-16 exit on home soil in 2026, is a long shot at +8000. Spain will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, and key players like Lamine Yamal are expected to be in their prime. Prediction markets give Spain a 17% chance of winning, with France at 15% and Argentina at 11%.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:45 AM UTC

The 2026 FIFA World Cup exposed the difficulties faced by elite club managers Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino, and Julian Nagelsmann in transitioning to international football. Despite their domestic and Champions League successes, all four coaches exited the tournament prematurely. Ancelotti's Brazil lost to Norway in the last 16, Nagelsmann resigned after Germany fell to Paraguay, Tuchel faced criticism for defensive tactics as England lost to Argentina in the semi-finals, and Pochettino's US team lost to Belgium. In contrast, international specialists Luis de la Fuente (Spain) and Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), who have no top-flight club experience, advanced to the final. The article attributes the struggles to limited contact time with players, lack of tactical rehearsal, and the relentless knockout format, which contrasts with the controlled environment of club football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 04:36 PM UTC

Following the USMNT's round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup against Belgium, coach Mauricio Pochettino's future is under scrutiny. On The Pat McAfee Show, commentator Pat McAfee suggested Pep Guardiola as a potential successor, noting Guardiola is available. The article notes that while some fans prefer BJ Callaghan, hiring a coach of Guardiola's caliber would be a major coup, though realism is needed as top coaches typically seek teams capable of winning silverware. Pochettino has indicated he is considering extending his contract.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 08:30 AM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States men's national soccer team, has expressed uncertainty about his future following the team's Round of 16 elimination at the World Cup. In an interview with Spanish media outlet Cope, the 54-year-old Argentine confirmed he has received a four-year contract extension offer that would keep him through the 2030 World Cup, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Copa America. However, Pochettino stated he is still observing and analyzing the situation, saying 'We will make a decision in the coming weeks.' His current contract expires on Sunday. Pochettino also commented on the upcoming World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, calling it a '50-50' match with no clear favorite.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:33 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino announced he will decide next week whether to remain as USMNT head coach after his contract expired following the 2026 World Cup. U.S. Soccer offered him an extension before the tournament, and CEO JT Batson expressed optimism about retaining the Argentine manager. Pochettino led the U.S. to group-stage wins over Paraguay and Australia, a round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium ended their campaign. He has been involved in federation long-term planning, including the hiring of Steve Cherundolo as Olympic team coach. Pochettino joined U.S. Soccer in September 2024 and guided the team to a Gold Cup final in 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:05 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT), announced he will decide next week whether to accept a contract extension from U.S. Soccer. His current deal expired after the 2026 World Cup, where the USMNT reached the round of 16 before losing 4-1 to Belgium. Pochettino led the team to a Gold Cup final in 2025 and group-stage wins over Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed optimism about retaining Pochettino, noting his involvement in long-term planning, including the hiring of Olympic team coach Steve Cherundolo. Pochettino joined U.S. Soccer in September 2024.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:05 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino is considering whether to continue as head coach of the United States Men's National Team for the next four years, a tenure that would include the 2030 World Cup hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. Pochettino has received a contract extension offer from US Soccer, with his current deal expiring after the 2026 World Cup final. During a Zoom interview with Spanish outlet Cadena Cope, Pochettino stated he is analyzing the offer and will make a decision in the coming weeks. The Argentine coach also commented on the upcoming World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, calling it a '50/50' match and praising Lionel Messi's enduring influence. The USMNT reached the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup under Pochettino's leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:28 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team, stated on Spanish radio Cadena Cope that he is evaluating an offer from U.S. Soccer to extend his contract beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a decision expected next week. Pochettino's current contract expires after the tournament, where the USMNT reached the round of 32 before losing 4-1 to Belgium. Despite U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson confirming active discussions and Pochettino's involvement in long-term planning, speculation persists that Pochettino may return to European club management, with the England job potentially becoming available after Thomas Tuchel's World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:36 PM UTC

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has urged England and Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo to boycott the World Cup 2026 third-place match against France, citing poor treatment by manager Thomas Tuchel. Mainoo, 21, has not played a single minute in the tournament despite being in the squad for all seven matches. Butt called the third-place game a 'pointless jumped-up friendly' and warned Mainoo could risk injury. He also called for Tuchel to be sacked after England's semi-final loss to Argentina, criticizing his negative tactics. Butt suggested Eddie Howe or Mauricio Pochettino as potential replacements.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 01:34 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino has remained non-committal about extending his contract as head coach of the US Men's National Team following their World Cup round-of-16 exit. The Argentine, appointed in September 2024 as Gregg Berhalter's successor, initially struggled with disappointing results in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup. Despite a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle, the USMNT showed improvement under his leadership. The United States Soccer Federation has offered Pochettino new terms, potentially extending through the 2030 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Pochettino confirmed the offer but stated he will not decide immediately, with an update expected in the coming weeks. He had been linked with AC Milan, but the Italian club has since hired Ruben Amorim. Some fans have suggested Nashville SC's BJ Callaghan as a potential replacement if Pochettino leaves.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:44 AM UTC

The US men's national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing 4-1 to Belgium on home soil. Captain Christian Pulisic, who recorded no goals and one assist in the tournament, faced intense criticism from fans, analysts, and former players for his performances and post-match comments about resting. Pulisic acknowledged the team "wasn't good enough" in an Instagram post, but his closing remark "It's just the start" drew further backlash given the team's repeated early exits.

20 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 11, 11:37 AM UTC

The US men's national team’s World Cup knockout matches drew record-breaking television audiences in the United States. The Round of 32 win over Bosnia on Fox and Telemundo averaged over 33 million viewers, surpassing NBA Finals and Sunday Night Football. The subsequent Round of 16 loss to Belgium set a new record with 42 million viewers across both networks, making it the most-watched soccer broadcast in US history.

18 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:30 PM UTC

As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the national team faces pressure to exceed its historical quarter-final ceiling. A key factor in their defensive strategy hinges on Noahkai Banks, a FC Augsburg defender born in Hawaii but raised in Germany since infancy. Banks holds dual eligibility and has not yet committed to either senior national team, despite representing the US at youth levels. With the tournament weeks away, his indecision has sparked debate among pundits and fans. While some argue his hesitation should disqualify him from selection by manager Mauricio Pochettino, others highlight the commercial and athletic value he brings. The article notes that many current US stars also hold dual citizenship, complicating calls for stricter birth-based rules. Banks admits the choice is difficult and wishes to decide based on long-term career goals rather than immediate World Cup pressure. However, the analysis suggests Pochettino should issue an ultimatum, as Banks could anchor the US defense for the next decade. His final decision remains critical for USMNT's ambitions on home soil.

1 reports · 1 sources

The City of Inglewood, California, has announced a free Fan Festival to coincide with the U.S. Men's National Team's opening FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026. Held at SoFi Stadium, the event addresses concerns over high ticket prices by offering an accessible alternative for fans. The Market Street Festival will close nearly a mile of street space, featuring six zones with local art, a beer and wine garden, musical performances, and interactive activities like an inflatable pitch and roller rink. Former soccer players, including Paul Caligiuri and Mauricio Cienfuegos, are scheduled to appear. Funded by a Metro Open Streets Grant, the festival runs from 2 pm to 6 pm, providing ample viewing spots for the kickoff. This initiative aims to showcase local culture and creativity while accommodating residents and visitors unable to attend the stadium game. The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, begins its Group D campaign in this match, followed by games against Australia and Türkiye. The team seeks to advance to the Round of 32, aiming for their first knockout stage victory since 2002.

1 reports · 1 sources

As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is preparing for a historic tournament under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. With the competition starting in June 2026, The Sporting News provides a detailed projection of the 26-player roster, adhering to FIFA's expanded squad size rules established in 2022. The analysis highlights key players expected to lead the team, including captain Christian Pulisic, midfielder Weston McKennie, and goalkeeper Matt Turner. The article breaks down the squad by position, identifying locks for the starting lineup and evaluating final battles for remaining spots. The USMNT aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, leveraging home-field advantage to boost soccer's popularity in the country. The projected opening game lineup features a mix of experienced European-based stars and emerging MLS talent. This comprehensive overview serves as a strategic preview of the team's composition and tactical approach just weeks before their Group D debut.

1 reports · 1 sources

USMNT legend Landon Donovan has issued a stark warning to midfielder Gio Reyna regarding his prospects for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on his podcast, Donovan stated that Reyna risks playing zero minutes if he fails to demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude. This assessment highlights ongoing concerns about Reyna’s injury history and past conflicts with former manager Gregg Berhalter. With head coach Mauricio Pochettino set to announce the final roster soon, Reyna faces intense competition from players like Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman. Donovan emphasized that Pochettino prioritizes squad harmony and consistent availability over raw talent, noting that Reyna’s frequent injuries at Borussia Mönchengladbach make him a risky selection. The article underscores the high stakes for the USMNT as co-hosts of the tournament, where pressure is immense. Reyna must prove his fitness and maturity in the coming weeks to secure a place in the 23-man squad, as talent alone is deemed insufficient for inclusion in this historic home World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources

USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie discusses the team's psychological approach to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, hosted on home soil. In an interview with FIFA, McKennie reframes pressure as excitement and competitive fuel, stating that feeling 'butterflies' indicates care and commitment rather than fear. He highlights the tactical and mental maturity gained under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has instilled a culture where no player is secure in their position, thereby eradicating complacency. McKennie emphasizes that the current squad, often referred to as the 'Golden Generation,' is no longer inexperienced, drawing confidence from their regular roles in top European clubs. The team views the host status as an advantage, leveraging fan energy and internal motivation to prove they can achieve more than their performance in Qatar 2022 suggested. This shift represents a strategic evolution from managing expectations to actively leveraging them for a deep tournament run.

1 reports · 1 sources

Sebastian Berhalter scored two long-range goals in Vancouver Whitecaps' 3-2 victory over FC Dallas, extending his goal contribution streak to nine of the first twelve games this season. With the FIFA World Cup less than a month away and the US Men's National Team roster announcement scheduled for May 26, Berhalter’s recent form positions him as a strong candidate for Mauricio Pochettino’s final squad. His selection prospects have improved further following Johnny Cardoso’s ankle injury, which has opened up midfield competition. Berhalter’s ability to create scoring opportunities from distance addresses a specific tactical need for the USMNT, a quality praised by coaches for its unpredictability and effectiveness. Having made eleven appearances in the past year, including a notable goal against Uruguay, Berhalter has established trust with the coaching staff. While core midfielders like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected starters, Berhalter competes against players such as Gio Reyna and Diego Luna for remaining spots. Pochettino has emphasized that current form is critical, with no guaranteed places. Berhalter has three matches left to solidify his case, benefiting from Vancouver’s top-standing position in the Supporters' Shield rankings.

1 reports · 1 sources

Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall achieved a historic milestone in Major League Soccer by scoring a hat-trick for the New York Red Bulls in their 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. At 18 years and 50 days old, Hall became the youngest player ever to record a hat-trick in MLS history, surpassing previous records held by Ricardo Pepi and Kekuta Manneh. This performance marks the first hat-trick of his professional career and highlights his rapid development within the Red Bulls' academy system. Hall, who made his MLS debut at age 15, has been in exceptional form this season, tallying 12 goals and two assists in just 15 appearances. Although he has Polish heritage, Hall represents the United States at the youth international level. His standout performances have drawn attention from national team selectors, though a call-up to Mauricio Pochettino’s upcoming World Cup squad remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Hall is widely recognized as one of the most promising young talents in American soccer, with a bright future ahead in the league and potentially on the international stage.

1 reports · 1 sources

Atlético de Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso has undergone surgery on his right ankle to address a high-grade sprain with joint involvement, a decision that effectively ends his minimal chances of participating in the upcoming World Cup hosted in the United States. Despite the emotional difficulty of missing a rare opportunity to represent his national team on home soil, Cardoso prioritized his long-term health and career ambitions at Atlético de Madrid. Medical assessments indicated only a 1% probability of recovering in time for the tournament without surgery, and even then, the risk of further injury remained high. By choosing immediate intervention in Barcelona, Cardoso aims to ensure full fitness for the preseason and establish himself as a key player for the Spanish club. This strategic move reflects his goal of becoming a legend for Atlético, viewing club stability as a prerequisite for future international success. Consequently, he will now target the 2030 World Cup as his next major international milestone, believing that solidifying his status at Atlético is essential for his role in the US national team.

1 reports · 1 sources

Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall made Major League Soccer history by becoming the youngest player ever to score a hat trick, leading the New York Red Bulls to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. The Polish-American dual national scored at ages 18 years and 50 days, surpassing the previous record held by Ricardo Pepi. Hall opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a finish from a Cade Cowell cross, added a second goal in the 40th minute via another Cowell assist, and completed his treble in the 78th minute by capitalizing on a loose ball. This performance brings his season total to nine goals in MLS play and twelve across all competitions. His breakout form has secured his place in the starting lineup ahead of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and sparked discussions regarding potential national team call-ups. While inclusion in the upcoming U.S. World Cup roster remains unlikely, Hall is entering the conversation for the USMNT under coach Mauricio Pochettino. Meanwhile, the Polish Football Federation continues its recruitment efforts, highlighted by a recent visit to Hall’s family in New York.

1 reports · 1 sources

Matt Freese, the presumptive starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Men’s National Team, experienced a brief injury scare during New York City FC’s 1-0 away victory against Charlotte FC. During the match, Freese collided with Charlotte’s Pep Biel and his own defender, Raul Gustavo, while attempting a save. Although he initially rose quickly, he subsequently hobbled and fell to the ground in pain, requiring attention from medical staff. After a few minutes of evaluation, Freese elected to remain in the game and successfully completed the match, securing his second consecutive clean sheet. NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen later confirmed that Freese sustained only a significant scratch on his shin and expressed no concerns regarding his fitness. This incident has drawn attention due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where the United States is scheduled to face Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12. With the national team roster yet to be officially announced by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Freese’s health is closely monitored by American soccer fans as he remains a likely candidate for the starting position in the tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources