The USMNT entered 2024 filled with optimism. They closed the year filled with even more, but the manner in which they got there was, how to say, unpredictable. After crashing out of Copa America, U.S. Soccer changed coaches and handed the keys to Mauricio Pochettino, the most established, highly credential coach in USMNT history. Pochettino brought a great resume and even greater hope, and has super-charged US optimism for a run to the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino has emerged as the face of American soccer, not just a coach but an ambassador for the game in the U.S. His background and experience make him uniquely positioned to connect the program with fans and make a historic run in 2026.

- Ryan Tolmich