Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to take the helm as the new head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), with the crucial task of leading them into the 2026 World Cup. At 52, Pochettino has been out of work since mutually parting ways with Chelsea earlier this summer after just one season at Stamford Bridge.
The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager has been in extensive talks with Matt Crocker, the USSF technical director, and has agreed to succeed Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT head coach. However, sources indicate that a final agreement has not yet been signed, and the USSF board of directors still needs to approve the deal.
Crocker, who has experience with Premier League club Southampton and the English Football Association, was tasked with securing a world-class coach to ensure that the USMNT enters the 2026 World Cup—jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—as a formidable competitor capable of advancing to the later stages of the tournament.
Initial efforts to recruit Jürgen Klopp following his departure from Liverpool did not progress, making Pochettino’s agreement a significant win for the USSF. However, Pochettino’s situation with Chelsea remains unresolved, as the Premier League club still owes him money. Until that matter is settled, he cannot officially sign a contract with the USMNT.
Pochettino is expected to take charge of the USMNT in time for their match against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 7. He is likely to maintain a European base, allowing him to closely monitor the bulk of the national team players who compete in major European leagues.
Interestingly, Pochettino had also been considered as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate as England’s manager before agreeing to this new role.
