Just five weeks after the firing of former coach Gregg Berhalter, it’s believed the U.S. Soccer Federation received a major upgrade with the imminent announcement that Mauricio Pochettino will become the next coach of the men’s national team.
Pochettino, whose name was rumored alongside a number of other European notables is said to have agreed to take the role, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano. Pochettino has been looking for his next next opportunity since departing as Chelsea’s manager last season.
Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the US to World Cup 2026.
After contacts with several managers, former Chelsea and Spurs head coach says yes to proposal and project, as per reports in US overnight.
Poch’s back. pic.twitter.com/e6JmmU2AGz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
He’s most known and regarded for his time at fellow English Premier League side, Tottenham, where he led the Spurs to a Champions League final appearance in 2019. According to other reports, Pochettino will assume the role ahead of a Sept. 7 exhibition game against Canada, the U.S.’ teams first game since bowing out in the group stage of July’s Copa America tournament.
Canada, led by Jesse Marsch, who briefly was rumored to be considered for the role, until Marsch put a kibosh on those rumors during a press conference at Copa America. Marsch, who professed his happiness with being the man in charge of the Canadians, led the team to a semifinal appearance and Copa’s third place match against Uruguay.
As for Pochettino, he does loosely have a relationship with U.S. Soccer through current sporting director Matt Crocker, who he worked with while the pair were at English championship side Southampton.
U.S. Soccer has yet to make an official statement on the matter but multiple reports since the original from Romano have Pochettino, or “Poch” as he’s known in the soccerverse as next up to lead men’s national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.