'Time for us to take another step' - USMNT, AC Milan star Christian Pulisic says Mauricio Pochettino hire will give team momentum ahead of 2026 World Cup

U.S. Soccer is reportedly set to announce Pochettino's arrival in the near future, kickstarting a new era for the USMNT. The ex-Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea boss could be in place in time for September friendlies if negotiations with Chelsea go to plan.

Ahead of Milan's Serie A clash with Parma on Saturday, Pulisic was asked about Pochettino's imminent arrival, and the midfielder believes the U.S. can take another step forward under the coach as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

"It's good news," Pulisic said ahead of Milan's clash with Parma on CBS. "I think it's time for a change, time for us to take another step and really improve as a team. Leading up to this World Cup, we need to find some good results and build some momentum leading up to that moment."

With Pochettino reportedly incoming, the pressure is on the USMNT to really step up on the road to 2026. The World Cup will be a massive moment for American soccer and, particularly after the Copa America, the USMNT can't afford to waste it.

Pochettino's experience and pedigree should give the team a major lift as they prepare for that World Cup, but the coach will have less than two years to prepare this team for the challenges ahead when they host the world's biggest tournament.

The U.S. will begin this new era on Sept. 7 when they play host to Jesse Marsch's Canada in Kansas City. After that, the U.S. will face new Zealand three days later in Cincinnati.