USMNT
When is Mauricio Pochettino’s first game as head coach of USMNT? Fixtures and schedule
The new boss will take charge of two matches next month, one of which comes against a long-standing USMNT rival.
Mauricio Pochettino will be officially unveiled as the new head coach of the United States Men’s National Team on Friday, ushering in a new era for soccer in the US.
The Argentine’s arrival should spark a fresh wave of enthusiasm in USMNT, a much-needed boost after the bleak showing at the summer’s Copa América on home soil. With the 2026 World Cup, also co-hosted by the US, now less than two years away Pochettino has little time to reshape this talented group of players.
As co-hosts the United States will not need to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, meaning that they are unlikely to have much high-level competitive action in which Pochettino can test his new charges.
USMNT fixtures and schedule
Former head coach Gregg Berhalter was sacked in the days after USMNT’s group stage exit from the Copa América and Pochettino, then out of work, was quickly identified as a top target. But even once a deal was agreed between the Argentine and US Soccer, more time was needed for Pochettino to come to an arrangement with former team Chelsea over unpaid wages.
That delay ensured that Pochettino was not able to lead the team for the September internationals, but he won’t have to wait long to take charge.
Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge of USMNT will be a home fixture against Panama on Saturday, October 12. He will follow that up with a trip to the old rivals Mexico on Tuesday, October 15.
“The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up,” Pochettino revealed after being announced as the new head coach of USMNT. “I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”