Pochettino makes bold USA claim after sealing new deal
by Staff Reporter · KickOffUSA coach Mauricio Pochettino said he is hoping to create one of the most powerful football nations on earth.
After leading the Stars and Stripes to the Last 16 of the World Cup earlier this year, the former Tottenham and PSG boss agreed to sign a new contract with the North American nation until 2030.
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Becoming one of the most powerful countries in soccer
Many had expected him to return to club management, especially given that the 54-year-old is at the prime of his powers as a football manager.
“This is the future of the USA,” said Pochettino, as quoted by The Guardian.
“We want to try to perform in the World Cup and to create something special with the fans. And now it’s about being a part of the legacy that the federation wants to create – becoming one of the most powerful countries in soccer. That is a dream, no? It’s amazing. If we can be part of that, we are so excited and so happy.”
Ranked 16th according to the FIFA rankings, the USA have established themselves as a team to be taken seriously in international football.
Several of their national team stars play at a high level in Europe, with the local MLS having also significantly improved in terms of quality in recent years.
However, the USA has failed to embark on deeper runs in the World Cup since they reached the quarterfinals in 2002, with Last 16 finishes following in 2010, 2014 and 2022 between a group-stage finish in 2006 and failing to qualify in 2018.
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The most recent tournament performance was the team’s best since 2002 due to the expanded nature of the tournament.
With plenty of resources at his disposal, Pochettino will now be tasked with developing a team that can at least reach the deep knockout stages of the 2030 World Cup.