Billionaire investors, keys to the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at the head of the United States for the 2026 World Cup

At the start of the summer of 2024, disappointment reigned within American football following the elimination of the United States from the Copa América. Some supporters demanded the departure of coach Gregg Berhalter, believing that the progress of the selection had reached its limits. The idea of ​​entrusting the team to a world-class coach then germinated, but significant obstacles arose: sporting prestige, the ability to attract players, and above all... the budget.

If the federation traditionally lacked the means to attract the biggest names, it could nevertheless count on an unexpected asset: the support of billionaires and large companies ready to invest massively. So, when the decision was made to part ways with Berhalter in order to aim higher for the 2026 World Cup, American leaders followed the trail of Mauricio Pochettino, recently free after his time at Chelsea.

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But recruiting such a technician meant raising funds on a scale never before achieved in the history of the federation. Kenneth C. Griffin, founder of the Citadel fund, played a decisive role in providing a major financial windfall. Scott Goodwin, co-founder of Diameter Capital, along with several sponsors, also contributed. Without their generosity, it would be impossible for the federation to match the salary demands of Pochettino, who should receive nearly 5 million dollars annually, including a signing bonus of 2.5 million according to tax documents.

The choice of a recognized coach was not easy: his predecessor, Gregg Berhalter, reached 1.7 million per year, a record for a technician born in the United States. For comparison, the previous “stroke of madness” dates back to the German Jürgen Klinsmann (more than 3 million per year) – without any convincing club experience. This time, the federation wanted a profile combining prize lists and international aura. Research targeted big names such as Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola, but it was ultimately Pochettino who was convinced during meetings in Barcelona during the summer.

The Argentinian's recruitment was not linear: his debut, marked by setbacks against Panama and Canada, fueled skepticism. Even his relationship with star Christian Pulisic has been scrutinized. But little by little, the coach's mark materialized: the opening made to young people and shadow players, a correction inflicted on Uruguay (5-1 victory in November), and a welcomed tactical flexibility. Investors already see their bet as a unique opportunity to sustainably structure American football, particularly among youth. Less than two years before the start of the World Cup, the success or otherwise of this extraordinary investment will determine the legacy of this ambitious operation.