Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Pochettino joins familiar names in North America
JAMES NALTON writes on the growing trend of former Premier League managers taking roles at Concacaf nations ahead of 2026 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino who has been officially announced as the new United States head coach, September 11, 2024

AS THE Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) builds up to hosting a World Cup on the North American continent in 2026, followers of English football may recognise some of the names coaching in the region.

Mauricio Pochettino became the latest figure with connections to the English leagues to join the World Cup preparations in Concacaf, taking on the considerable task of ensuring the United States are at least competitive in the 2026 tournament they will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.

One of the more intriguing moves is Jamaica’s recent appointment of former Middlesbrough and England manager Steve McLaren, who rose to prominence as a coach at Manchester United under Alex Ferguson after a successful stint with Derby.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his side's third goal against Venezuela during a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Men’s football / 5 September 2025
5 September 2025

The captain’s emotional performance in Argentina’s win over Venezuela had all the markings of a farewell. But if history is any guide, the legend may not be done just yet, writes JAMES NALTON

Grimsby Town's goalkeeper Christy Pym (right) is congratulated by his teammates after they win the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup second round match at Hill Blundell Park, Grimsby, August 27, 2025
Men’s football / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025

As football grapples with overloaded calendars and commercial pressure, the Mariners’ triumph reminds us why the game’s soul lives far from the spotlight, writes JAMES NALTON

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday August 24, 2025
Men's Football / 24 August 2025
24 August 2025
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane with The Bundesliga Meisterschale (championship shield) at the Allianz Arena, Munich, after his side won the Bundesliga title. Picture date: Saturday May 10, 2025
Men's Football / 22 August 2025
22 August 2025

JAMES NALTON takes a look at the German league’s move to grow its audience in Britain, and around the future of football on TV in general

Similar stories
President Donald Trump speaks at an education event and exec
Men’s Football / 28 March 2025
28 March 2025
JAMES NALTON writes about Iran's qualification for the tournament and whether the United States is fit to welcome visitors from across the world
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, March 31, 2022
Sportswashing / 24 January 2025
24 January 2025
Infantino cosies up to Trump as Disunited States become Fifa's latest problematic World Cup host, writes JAMES NALTON
England head coach Thomas Tuchel talks to the media after th
World Cup 2026 / 13 December 2024
13 December 2024
England learn their opponents in preliminary draw for campaign’s kick off in March
Bolivia's Diego Medina celebrates at the end of a qualifying
Men’s Football / 11 October 2024
11 October 2024
JAMES NALTON on how the national football team stunned Colombia 1-0 on Thursday night and now have their sights set on success in Buenos Aires when they battle with Argentina