Skip to main content
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
Liverpool fans celebrate victory in the Premier League outside Anfield, Liverpool, April 26, 2025
Men’s football / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

JAMES NALTON writes on how the title win has sparked long-awaited celebrations among fans after a triumph four years — and one pandemic — in the making

Zhao Xintong during his match against Jak Jones (not pictured), during day three of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Picture date: Monday April 21, 202
Snooker / 26 April 2025
26 April 2025

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible   

Everton fans in the stands ahead of the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, April 19, 2025
Men’s football / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON

Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power

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
England's Funmi Fadoju (left) and Jamaica's Romelda Aiken-Ge
Sport / 18 November 2024
18 November 2024
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during a penalty shootout ag
Men’s football / 5 July 2024
5 July 2024
JAMES NALTON says there are no easy games in the tournament, as Messi and Argentina soon found out following their clash with Ecuador which ended in narrow victory on penalties
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes (5) slide-tackles Canad
Men's Football / 21 June 2024
21 June 2024
JAMES NALTON looks forward to a summer of exciting international football — starting with the Copa America