USMNT in 2024: Pochettino Takes Charge as Berhalter Exits – Did a Troubling Year Spark Transformation?

The U.S. men’s national team kicked off 2024 with great anticipation for what the summer might hold. However, the outcome was not as expected.

Rather, it became a pivotal moment for the U.S.

Copa América did not yield a major trophy or an exhilarating run that raised hopes for the World Cup in two years. Instead, it ushered in change: a new coach, fresh faces vying for roles, and a reevaluation of the player pool narrative.

Fans of the USMNT still have hope, but it now revolves around Mauricio Pochettino and the potential he has to enhance a young group that still has much to prove. As the new year begins, the focus will be on how innovative ideas can build upon the foundation that spurred excitement after Qatar.

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Best moment

Mauricio Pochettino is appointed as coach

An early exit from Copa América was a nightmare scenario for the U.S. men’s national team, truncating an exciting opportunity to generate enthusiasm ahead of the 2026 World Cup. More significantly, it was a stark reality check for a cohort of players often labeled as this country’s golden generation.

Failing to advance from the group stage predictably resulted in the dismissal of coach Gregg Berhalter. Yet, from that disappointment arose a chance to revitalize the dialogue surrounding the U.S.

The U.S. Soccer Federation aimed high with this hire, pursuing some of the sport’s most prominent names. They secured their top target early on: Pochettino. His achievements, particularly at Southampton and Tottenham, created palpable optimism that he could extract the best from a team that seemed to be faltering after the Qatar World Cup.

After Copa, the federation needed a bold move. Bringing in one of the most renowned coaches globally undoubtedly met that need and reinvigorated a program that was in dire need of rejuvenation.

Worst moment

Panama 2, United States 1

This match wasn’t the most scrutinized disaster of the night nor the most consequential. While the nation tuned in to the first (and ultimately, only) presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the USMNT faced their own life-altering evening just 3.5 miles away at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Following a group-opening victory against Bolivia, the United States understood that three points against CONCACAF rival Panama would nearly guarantee a spot in the Copa América quarterfinals. Initial signs looked promising, as Weston McKennie appeared to score in the fourth minute, only for VAR to rule that Tim Ream had interfered from an offside position. Unfortunately, the positive energy wouldn’t last long.

Ultimately, the 18th minute proved to be critical, as VAR prompted referee Ivan Barton to brandish a red card to Tim Weah for an unnecessary off-the-ball shove to the back of Panama defender Roderick Miller’s head. What was intended to be a showcase for a squad filled with ambitious, attack-minded players turned into a struggle for just a single point against a nation that frequently falls short of the USMNT in regional contests.

A goal from Folarin Balogun in the 21st minute offered a glimmer of hope and motivated Berhalter to adopt a more compact strategy, but Panama’s numerical advantage was too significant. Cesar Blackman equalized just five minutes after Balogun’s opener, and Jose Fajardo sealed the match in the 83rd minute as the U.S. folded into defense.

In one evening, not only did the team’s tournament aspirations shatter, but it also became evident that Berhalter’s grip on this group had weakened.

Best game

USMNT 4, Jamaica 2 – CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal

Pochettino has had merely two international windows to engage with the U.S. team, and it was during the last of those matches that we began to see hints of how the Americans could function under the Argentine manager.

After securing a result on the road in Kingston, the U.S. returned to St. Louis seeking a positive outcome to advance in the CONCACAF Nations League. Pochettino demonstrated his willingness not only to place his teams on the offensive but also to employ unpredictability to unsettle opponents.

The U.S. transformed Antonee Robinson, arguably one of their finest players, into a central midfield role during the build-up against Jamaica. This shift not only allowed Robinson to see more of the ball in a central area but also created a lane on the left side that Christian Pulisic exploited beneath Weah, who switched from his usual right-wing position to start on the left.

The combination of Pulisic and Weah overwhelmed Jamaica, who struggled to adjust to the U.S. shape in build-up play. The U.S. moved the ball beautifully, particularly in the first half, and took a 3-0 lead at halftime. Although they fell short of managing the game as effectively as desired, the initial 45 minutes featured some of the most attractive soccer the team has produced.

Per Opta, the U.S. made five attempts on goal from build-ups involving 10 or more passes, matching the highest in any match since Opta began detailed data collection of all U.S. matches in 2010.

“I am so pleased; the first 45 minutes represent the way we aspire to grow and build our journey together,” Pochettino remarked. “It was fantastic to see the players perform. Yes, that is, for me, the direction we need to continue growing and improving.”

Best player

Christian Pulisic

Though a torn calf muscle cruelly halted his year, 2024 will be remembered as the period when Pulisic solidified his place among the world’s most influential attackers.

Since joining AC Milan in the summer of 2023, the Pennsylvanian has finally found the consistent starting role he’s needed since his emergence with Borussia Dortmund. His 29 goal contributions in Serie A rank tied for 30th among players in the premier leagues of England, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The short list of players trailing the USMNT star includes notable names like Phil Foden, Kai Havertz, Bruno Fernandes, teammate Rafael Leao, Jamal Musiala, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

He was equally impactful for the USMNT.Pulisic’s opening goal against Bolivia created a brief impression (albeit, looking back, it was too fleeting) that he and his team could embark on an extended run at Copa América. Even following a coaching change, he continued to shine, netting his fourth international goal of the year in Pochettino’s second camp as USMNT manager.

Fans are understandably anxious as Pulisic recovers from his calf injury, particularly given the history of leg muscle injuries that have hindered his time on the field with Chelsea. Until he returns, however, he has provided us with a remarkable highlight reel from another year to take pride in.

The stat that sums up 2024

10: the number of spots the USMT has dropped in the Elo ratings since the 2022 World Cup 

After exiting the Qatar tournament ranked 24th in the world utilizing the head-to-head scoring system, the USMNT fell four spots through 2023 (which, to be fair, witnessed both an Asian Cup and an African Cup of Nations boost top tournament performers) before dropping another six spots in 2024.

The Elo Rating system, which originated with chess, employs head-to-head results to evaluate every national team in men’s soccer. The last time the USMNT broke into the top 10 teams was in August 2013, after they won that summer’s Gold Cup and achieved a thrilling 4-3 victory away at Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently ranked 34th, the United States stands directly behind Mexico (32) and Scotland (33) and ahead of the Czech Republic (35), Sweden, and Venezuela (tied at 36).

Favorite quote

“We need to truly believe and envision great things. We need to have faith that we can win, that we can triumph in all (of the) matches; we can clinch the World Cup. Because, if not, this will be incredibly challenging.” — Pochettino

The appointment of Pochettino was aimed at rekindling belief around the USMNT, both in the fanbase and within the squad itself. Pochettino’s initial press conference repeatedly emphasized that notion: belief.

Did that really happen?

While the entirety of the Panama match undoubtedly marked the year’s lowest point, the focus could be narrowed to Weah’s shove alone. It was the type of infraction that was indefensible even by the player’s staunchest supporters: a red card without clear reasoning or provocation. It was particularly shocking to witness Weah, who had become one of the team’s most level-headed members and reliable performers in significant matches, display a moment of recklessness when his team needed him most.

After the match, his teammates supported him, describing it as a “learning experience.” Ultimately, though, it raised questions about how seriously this once-youthful core was absorbing these lessons, with signs indicating there were still significant gaps in their approach to high-stakes games. Before the match, they understood that Panama would employ a physical strategy and attempt to lure them into unnecessary fouls. However, the most damning infraction came with little to no provocation from an opponent.

Player to watch in 2025

Tanner Tessman – midfielder, Olympique Lyon

Just a month after the senior team failed to progress from its Copa América group, the Under-23s began their own tournament journey at the Olympics. Matched with New Zealand, Guinea, and host France, the U.S. managed to advance from its group due to its strengthened defensive approach and some opportunistic offense from Kevin Paredes and Djordje Mihailovic.

No Olympian positioned himself better for a senior international future than Tessmann, who anchored the midfield for all 360 of his team’s tournament minutes. The former FC Dallas homegrown was among the Olympics’ most influential midfielders, engaging in defense while facilitating his team’s advancement with precise passing and an adept sense of when a play needed to recirculate.

Tessmann stands at 6ft 2in, possessing the stature of an aerial ball-hawking defensive midfielder and the on-ball abilities of a confident box-to-box player. Pochettino comes in with a fresh perspective to evaluate the talent pool, which may need to rejuvenate its engine room, as the previously trusted trio of Yunus Musah, McKennie, and Tyler Adams have struggled to maintain health and form since Qatar.

Pochettino summoned Tessmann for both the October and November windows. Tessmann impressed as a late call-up in October, warranting his return to camp the following month and earning a starting position in defensive midfield. He was steady and impactful from a deeper midfield role, receiving Pochettino’s commendation.

“Tess today, I think was fantastic,” Pochettino commented after the win over Jamaica in St. Louis. “If you asked me to grade him from 0 to 10, it’s an eight or a nine. He played a fantastic match. I think it was amazing how he contributed in both phases, defensively and offensively, with the ball and without. That is what we expect.

“He is young, but he is a very good talent, and I hope he can play more at Lyon and be ready to assist us.”

Despite largely being a rotational player for Lyon since his arrival in August, he stands in a good position for further growth and, consequently, greater international involvement.

A wish for 2025

Paul Tenorio – The return of a healthy, in-form Sergiño Dest

This U.S. squad consists of a range of talented players contributing to significant teams in Europe, yet it still requires the type of game changers who can alter a match at any moment. Pulisic remains undoubtedly the key figure for the U.S., and Robinson has blossomed into potentially the best left-back in the Premier League. However, Dest’s confidence and attacking prowess could unlock the game for the U.S. against formidable opponents.

Sure, there are sometimes defensive trade-offs, but Dest is unquestionably the top right back in the U.S. player pool. Recently, Dest has returned to training at PSV in the Netherlands, making it fascinating to see how Pochettino will utilize him once he’s fit to rejoin the team.

Jeff Rueter – A reliable alternative at left-wing

While Pulisic can net goals against opponents from anywhere on the forward line, his success playing right-wing and the No. 10 role with Milan leads me to hope that Pochettino will maintain him in similar roles. In recent years, such hope has proven elusive, as the USMNT has cycled through backup left-wingers while Weah has remained a consistent starter on the right when available.

The prospective pool of alternatives still presents more questions than answers. Alex Zendejas and Cade Cowell are both enjoying strong form with their Liga MX clubs, yet neither has convinced at the international level. Brenden Aaronson and Malik Tillman appear more at home in central roles. Young Burnley winger Luca Koleosho is provisionally cap-tied to Italy.

Even so, no wishlist can truly be complete without an aspirational request, and bolstering this position could optimize the team’s best player even further.

(Top photo: by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)