Pochettino wins first match in charge of US

Mauricio Pochettino marked his debut as United States manager with a 2-0 win over Panama in Austin, Texas.

AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah opened the scoring early in the second half before a late goal from PSV striker Ricardo Pepi sealed the victory.

Pochettino selected experienced international goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is on loan at Crystal Palace from Nottingham Forest but is yet to play this season, and was rewarded as he made two big 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.”

The former Southampton, Chelsea and Tottenham boss, who left the Blues in the summer, was appointed in September following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal.

Berhalter was sacked in July following their group-stage elimination from the Copa America, which included a 2-1 defeat by Panama.

The United States, who will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with Canada and Mexico, are ranked 18th in the world.

The US will next face Mexico in another friendly on Tuesday, in Guadalajara.