Related items

• New USA coach Pochettino aims for World Cup glory as countdown to 2026 begins

  New United States boss Mauricio Pochettino has outlined his ambition to win the World Cup with the co-hosts in two years' time and is excited by the opportunity.

  Pochettino was named the manager of the USA on Tuesday in his first role since parting company with Chelsea in May.

  The Argentine, who previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in charge of Tottenham, leading them to a Champions League final, oversaw a sixth-placed Premier League finish in his only season at Stamford Bridge.

  And with the USA acting as hosts alongside Canada and Mexico for football's most prestigious tournament in 2026, Pochettino believes his players should harbour ambitions of winning the entire event.

  "We need to believe in big things that we can win, not only a game but the World Cup," Pochettino said.

  "If we don’t, the journey will be difficult. We have to think big. That is the only way to put your talent in the service of the team. It is a massive challenge."

  The USA women's team won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and claimed Olympic gold this summer in Emma Hayes' first tournament as manager.

  Pochettino, who knows Hayes from the period in which they both managed Chelsea's senior teams, reserved special praise for her, while also wanting his players to be inspired by how successful the women's team had become in recent times.

  "In Emma, we have the best coach in the world," said Pochettino.

  "The women's team has won everything. We need to match them. They need to be our inspiration, not only with results but in the way they create the philosophy to defend the country, the badge and the culture.

  "We want to create something special."

  Pochettino's first game in charge will be a friendly versus Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12.

• Marsch optimistic new USA boss Pochettino will have 'positive impact'

  Jesse Marsch is optimistic Mauricio Pochettino will make a "positive impact" following his appointment as the United States' new head coach.

  Pochettino was announced on Tuesday as the Stars and Stripes' successor to Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following a disappointing group-stage exit at this year's Copa America.

  The Argentine has agreed to lead the USA into the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with neighbours Canada and Mexico.

  Canada boss Marsch was twice linked with taking over the reins of his native nation, but revealed he was not interested in the role "unless there's a big shift in the organisation".

  Nevertheless, he feels former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea head coach Pochettino is undoubtedly the right man to take the country forward.

  "I think Pochettino is a good coach. One of his best things is that he's pretty malleable," Marsch said on the latest episode of Call It What You Want.

  "He really is pragmatic and tries to get the best out of his teams. He's not married to one system, which you can argue that's good and bad.

  "But I think that his focus will be about how to get the best out of his best players, which he had to do at PSG, he had to do at Tottenham, he had to do at Chelsea. And typically, that's been one of the things that he's done well.

  "He's gotten really good performances out of his best players and that's helped his team win matches.

  "It's yet to be known how it will all turn out, but I would be optimistic that he would be able to have a positive impact on the team and on the sport in the country."

  Pochettino's first game in charge will be a friendly versus Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12, before the United States face Mexico three days later.

• United States 1-1 New Zealand: Waine leveller leaves Pochettino plenty to ponder

  Ben Waine's late goal earned New Zealand a 1-1 draw with the United States, who ended the night on a low after the confirmation of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach.

  Christian Pulisic looked to have earned victory in Tuesday's friendly with his 69th-minute finish, only for Waine to fortunately capitalise on some poor defending by the hosts a minute from the end.

  A lacklustre first half saw just one shot on target from either side as the USA failed to make their dominance count, entering the interval with 66.4% possession. 

  But Milan's Pulisic emerged from the bench to spark the contest into life, rounding off a free-flowing move with a left-footed finish low into Max Crocombe's goal.

  However, USA's dismal run, which has seen them win one of their last seven games, continued after a moment of defensive misfortune.

  Nando Pijnaker's hopeful punt caused trouble, with Mark McKenzie's attempted clearance striking Waine and looping over the helpless Matt Turner. 

  Data Debrief: Plenty to do for Poch

  If Pochettino had any illusions about the scale of the task that awaits him as newly-appointed USA head coach, this showing will have set him straight.

  Despite registering 17 shots, USA only saw five hit the target, underperforming their expected goals (xG) total by 0.33. 

  But Pochettino can hold on to hope that captain Pulisic can lead his side back to glory.

  His introduction from the bench in the 57th minute saw him register an xG of 0.27, a total only bettered by Brenden Aaronson (0.29), while the former Chelsea man also created more chances (four) than any of his team-mates.