Pochettino Aims for World Cup Glory, Hails Hayes as 'Best Coach in World'

New USA men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on winning the World Cup and is drawing inspiration from the country's women's team and Emma Hayes, whom he describes as the "best coach in the world."

Pochettino, previously with Tottenham and Chelsea, was appointed as the USA men's team manager on Tuesday. The USA last advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 but has yet to claim the title.

With the USA set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, Pochettino believes this presents a prime opportunity for his team to succeed.

"We need to believe in big things that we can win, not only a game, but the World Cup," Pochettino stated. "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 national team secured World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019 and recently appointed Emma Hayes as their manager. Hayes, who joined from Chelsea after a highly successful tenure where she won the Women's Super League seven times starting in 2015, led the women's team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics last month.

Pochettino, who worked alongside Hayes at Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, praised her coaching skills.

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