Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as the United States men’s national team coach comes to a close with a mixed record, leaving behind a legacy that is still unfolding as he prepares to oversee his final two games. His 1.91 points per game ranks third among USMNT managers with at least 10 matches, trailing only Gregg Berhalter and Bruce Arena, yet he is the first permanent coach since Steve Sampson not to win a Concacaf title. The USMNT fell short in both the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup under his leadership.
Despite the absence of silverware, many credit Pochettino with raising the standard of U.S. Soccer. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the ambition remains high, calling the USMNT job "one of the great coaching jobs in the world" with "an experienced group of players" and "a dynamic young pool." Batson described a recent moment where Pochettino and much of the men’s team watched the U-20s play at the national training center, highlighting the integration between youth and senior sides. This connection, along with improvements in youth development through MLS Next and MLS Next Pro, suggests that the USMNT will be positioned well regardless of who takes over next.
Pochettino’s final games come at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, where the USMNT will face Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League final on Saturday, November 14, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on TNT and live-streamed on HBO Max. The USMNT enter as favorites at -350 odds, with Haiti at +750 and the draw at +440.
While Pochettino’s departure may overshadow this final chance at a title, the results on the pitch tell only part of the story. The USMNT exited the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, the same stage as in 2022, leaving questions about how the team will compete against the world’s best. Pochettino’s influence on the squad’s approach to training and game mentality has been noted by players. Forward Folarin Balogun said, "Poch definitely raised the standard since he's been in charge," praising the intensity in training and the shift in mindset toward winning every game, including friendlies. He added that the foundation Pochettino laid is now the players’ responsibility to maintain, with or without the Argentine.
Players like Sebastian Berhalter, Cavan Sullivan, Alex Freeman, and Neil Pierre have spoken about Pochettino’s ability to instill a pressing style that could challenge any opponent. Yet the USMNT’s inability to secure a Concacaf trophy during his tenure complicates that legacy. The team’s failure in both the Nations League and Gold Cup contrasts with the progress seen in squad development and competitiveness.
U.S. Soccer is still negotiating to hire a director of soccer who will collaborate with the incoming head coach, women’s national team coach Emma Hayes, and the broader staff to shape the future of American soccer. The sport’s rapid growth in the United States has made the role highly attractive. JT Batson mentioned that while BJ Callaghan appears to be one of the leading American candidates, the federation hopes to attract high-profile names like Pep Guardiola. Batson emphasized that great leaders want to work with great people and make a lasting impact, reflecting U.S. Soccer’s goal to be a place where top coaches want to build their legacy.
Pochettino’s contract extension after the World Cup drew mixed reactions. Some argued the USMNT should have moved on sooner, but the players wanted continuity. Pochettino himself seemed surprised by the quick opportunity that took him away from the USMNT before 2028, which would have aligned better with the U-23’s Olympic run under Steve Cherundolo.
The coach’s departure feels unfinished. Despite the tears and disappointment after recent defeats, his influence on the team’s playing style and professional culture is something players acknowledge. Balogun said, "We have the ownership as players to carry that out because we know the standard," showing confidence that the team will continue evolving with the next coach.
Pochettino’s last two matches will be the final chapter of his USMNT story, but the work he began will unfold under new leadership amid growing ambitions and structural support within U.S. Soccer.
According to CBS.
