Mauricio Pochettino could consider living in various towns named London in the U.S. like London, Arkansas or London, Michigan, as head coach of the United States men’s national team. It has been reported that Pochettino prefers to stay in Europe while coaching the USMNT for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, setting a new trend for U.S. Soccer. However, some argue that being physically present in the U.S. is an essential part of the job at this critical time.
Some analysts suggest that the coach should not overlook the importance of being actively involved on and off the field, especially with the significant event of the 2026 World Cup approaching. In the past, coaches of the USMNT have had varying styles and approaches, from Bruce Arena to Jurgen Klinsmann, each bringing their unique personalities to the job.
The media interaction with soccer teams in the U.S. follows global trends where access is limited, and coverage is often restricted. Pochettino’s ability to promote and market the USMNT and soccer as a sport could play a crucial role in his success as a coach.
Pochettino’s appointment is seen as a significant win for the U.S. federation, particularly given the current state of the men’s national team program. The failure to progress in the 2024 Copa America has led to some skepticism about the talent pool available for the team. However, there has been notable progress in developing American players capable of competing at top levels in European leagues.
With players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Jedi Robinson making waves in top European leagues, there is a strong argument for Pochettino to stay in Europe to monitor and support these players closely. This would allow him to be present for key team events in the U.S. while also keeping tabs on potential future talents like Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio.
While some may question Pochettino’s lack of trophies, it’s essential to recognize the challenges of coaching clubs with less financial advantages. Pochettino has achieved significant success at various clubs and his experience could prove invaluable for the USMNT’s future endeavors.
Ultimately, Pochettino’s success as a coach will be judged by his ability to lead the team to victories, both on and off the field. His presence and influence could help elevate the USMNT’s performance leading up to the 2026 World Cup, making his unique coaching approach a potential game-changer for American soccer.