USMNT
Who is Sílvia Tuyà, the physical trainer on Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT staff?
The Argentine boss has introduced the coaching staff that will accompany him on his new adventure with the Stars and Stripes.
U.S. men’s soccer has embarked on a new project led by the experienced Mauricio Pochettino, with the 2026 World Cup in mind, where they will be one of the host nations and aim to be key contenders. The coach will make his debut against Panama on October 12, and one name stands out in the presentation of his coaching staff.
Sílvia Tuyà Viñas, the only woman on the staff and to date the only officially registered female member of the USMNT coaching team in its history, will be responsible for overseeing the team’s physical preparation as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tuyà holds a PhD in Sports Science, and her experience includes teaching Physical Education at the University of Barcelona, as well as her recent work with Levante Badalona in Liga F, the top tier of women’s football in Spain.
Tuyà's presence in a technical role within a men’s team, and at the level of the USMNT, represents a milestone for women involved in football who aspire to occupy more prominent positions. The coach, who speaks English, Spanish, and Catalan, bid farewell to Levante with a post on X (formerly Twitter), where she expressed gratitude for her brief stint at the club. In recent days, she has also shared posts from the USMNT showcasing the team’s physical training, including footage of Weston McKennie performing various exercises.
US Soccer and the role of women
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team has earned international recognition, not only for its athletic performance, which confirms it as a global powerhouse, but also for its efforts to ensure equality at every level within its federation. A key precedent was the movement led by figures like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan regarding equal pay, which secured better agreements on salary equality with their male counterparts.
This is why Tuyà's presence holds even greater significance. It not only reinforces the ongoing efforts in the United States to provide fairer conditions for women involved in football, but also emphasizes their inclusion in leadership roles.