Who is Silvia Tuya, the physical trainer on Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT staff at the 2026 World Cup?
Sílvia Tuyà Viñas is the first officially registered female member of a USMNT coaching team.
The U.S. Men’s National Team has reached the business end of its 2026 World Cup journey under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino. With the group stage behind them, the tournament co-hosts are aiming to establish themselves as true global contenders. As the team gears up for a high-stakes Round of 32 knockout clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, one critical name stands out within the powerhouse technical staff driving the squad behind the scenes.
Sílvia Tuyà Viñas, the only woman on the staff and the first officially registered female member of a USMNT coaching team in its history, is responsible for overseeing the roster’s peak physical conditioning as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tuyà holds a PhD in Sports Science, and her elite pedigree includes teaching Physical Education at the University of Barcelona, alongside highly regarded work with Levante Badalona in Liga F, the top tier of women’s football in Spain.
Tuyà’s presence in a central technical role within a elite men’s national team represents a true milestone for women aspiring to hold prominent positions in global football. The tactical specialist—who speaks English, Spanish, and Catalan—has been instrumental in keeping the squad elite and injury-free through a demanding group stage campaign. Ahead of the knockout round, her work remains front and center, preparing stars like Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Christian Pulisic to withstand the immense physical demands of the world stage.
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.
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