Who is Mauricio Pochettino? USMNT coach aiming to make World Cup history

The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

• Mauricio Pochettino was born in Murphy, Santa Fe, Argentina, and has Italian family heritage.
• He began his playing career in Argentina before moving to Spain to join RCD Espanyol.
• Pochettino represented Argentina internationally, including at the World Cup 2002.
• His coaching career has included spells at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea.
• He became USMNT head coach in 2024 and led the team to the World Cup 2026 knockout stage.