U.S. men’s soccer team players are anticipating news regarding the potential hiring of Mario Pochettino as their new head coach, as they get ready for upcoming matches against Canada and New Zealand. Amidst preparations, all 24 players in the squad participated in training led by interim coach Mikey Varas, who is an assistant to former coach Gregg Berhalter and will guide the team for the two upcoming games. The U.S. Soccer Federation has been in talks with Pochettino for the past three weeks but has not made any public statements regarding the coaching search.
Defender Tim Ream mentioned that the team has been kept in the loop about the positive progress of the coaching search; however, no final decisions have been communicated yet. Berhalter was dismissed from his position on July 10 following the team’s early exit from the Copa America. The new coach will have nearly two years to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Ream, who has experience facing Pochettino’s teams in the Premier League during his time at Fulham, described the Argentine coach’s teams as tough opponents with strong attacking abilities and solid organization. If hired, Pochettino would become the 10th coach for the U.S. team in a span of 14 years, a period that included four interim coaches and two separate tenures for Berhalter.
Ahead of the games against Canada and New Zealand, players are gearing up for the potential transition that comes with a new coach, aiming to maintain their usual game while adapting to a different coaching style. The U.S. team is scheduled to play Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, followed by a match against New Zealand in Cincinnati. They also have friendlies lined up against Panama in Austin, Texas, and Mexico in Guadalajara next month.
Forward Folarin Balogun expressed the team’s desire to showcase their abilities and make a strong statement on the field after the disappointment of their recent tournament exit. The players are looking to remind fans and critics alike of their strengths and capabilities.