Pochettino starts his USMNT reign with victory over Panama with a 2-0 scoreline in a friendly played in Houston.
Pochettino marked his debut as United States manager with a 2-0 win over Panama in Austin, Texas.
Yunus Musah, an AC Milan midfielder, opened the score early in the second half. PSV striker Ricardo Pepi’s late goal clinched the victory.
Matt Turner, a seasoned international custodian on loan at Crystal Palace from Nottingham Forest who hasn’t played yet this season, was chosen by Pochettino, and he was rewarded with two outstanding saves.
“After a few days training with the team, I think it’s amazing the way that we were focused and concentrated and tried to follow the plan,” the Argentine said.
“It was a professional performance. It’s the basis for the first step to start to grow and get better.
“There are many things to improve, to correct, but this is the beginning of a process that has to arrive in 2026 [at the World Cup] in the best condition. I am also happy because we have won, and whenever you win, things are easier to correct and improve.”
After Gregg Berhalter was fired in September, the former manager of Southampton, Chelsea, and Tottenham, who departed the Blues in the summer, was named in his place.
After their Copa America group-stage elimination, which featured a 2-1 loss to Panama, Berhalter was fired in July.
The United States is ranked 18th in the world. It will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Next up for the US is a friendly match against Mexico on Tuesday in Guadalajara.