The United States Soccer Federation announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the new United States coach until 2026, hours before the team was held to a friendly draw with New Zealand.

It was expected and it is now official: Mauricio Pochettino is the new manager of the United States men’s national team, the United States Soccer Federation announced Tuesday:

“The United States Soccer Federation has named Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the United States Men’s National Team. Pochettino, 52, is an experienced and highly respected manager with success at several major European clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Known for his ability to build teams with a dynamic style of play, he will now take the helm of the USMNT, bringing his vast experience and tactical acumen to lead the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on his home soil.”

Pochettino signs a two-year contract that will take him through the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. He succeeds Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after the U.S. national team’s poor performance at this summer’s Copa América. Pochettino takes charge of a team that is clearly at its lowest ebb.