In a story that comes full circle for Cincinnati, the United States men’s national soccer team will say goodbye to head coach Mauricio Pochettino at the very stadium where his appointment was announced. The Argentine, affectionately known as “Poch,” was named USMNT manager in September 2024 ahead of a friendly at TQL Stadium, and his final match will be the Nations League second‑leg against Haiti, scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati.
Departure for Manchester United
U.S. Soccer confirmed Friday that Pochettino has accepted the role of head coach at Manchester United, one of the English Premier League’s most storied clubs. The move marks a rapid rise for the 48‑year‑old, who guided the United States to a respectable showing at the 2026 World Cup on home soil, advancing to the Round of 16.
Record and impact
During his 15‑month tenure, Pochettino posted a 21‑win, 12‑loss, 2‑draw record. Beyond the numbers, U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson praised the coach’s “leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture.” Batson added that Pochettino and his staff “raised standards, strengthened our culture and created clearer connections from the Youth National Teams to the senior team,” changes that will remain embedded in the federation’s operations.
What the coach said
Speaking in a press release, Pochettino called representing the United States “one of the greatest honors of my career.” He thanked the players for their dedication, the fans for their belief, and the federation for supporting his staff and allowing him to influence the nation’s soccer culture.
Upcoming matches
The USMNT will travel to Miami on Saturday for a friendly against Haiti before returning to Cincinnati for the Nations League fixture. The match will be the last opportunity for U.S. supporters to see Pochettino on the sidelines before his departure to England.
Local significance
Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, home to Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, has become a symbolic venue for U.S. soccer. It was the site of Pochettino’s official introduction and now serves as the stage for his farewell. The stadium’s central location and modern facilities have helped raise the profile of soccer in the Midwest, aligning with the city’s broader push to host high‑profile sporting events.
Looking ahead
With Pochettino’s exit, U.S. Soccer will appoint an interim coach while it conducts a search for a permanent successor. The federation’s leadership emphasized continuity, noting that the structural improvements made under Pochettino will guide future coaching appointments and player development pathways.
Fans in Cincinnati and across the nation can anticipate a competitive Nations League showdown against Haiti, a match that will close one chapter of U.S. soccer history and open another as the team prepares for the next phase under new leadership.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
