Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, with the aim of leading them into the 2026 World Cup, according to reports from ESPN. The 52-year-old has been without a coaching role since departing Chelsea by mutual consent earlier this summer after one season at the club.
Sources indicate that Pochettino has agreed in principle to take over from Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT head coach after extensive discussions with Matt Crocker, the technical director of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). However, a formal agreement has yet to be signed, and the USSF board must approve the deal. A regular meeting of the board is scheduled for August 23, although a special meeting could be convened sooner to finalize his appointment.
Crocker, who has experience with Southampton and the English Football Association, was tasked with finding a top-tier coach to prepare the USMNT for the World Cup, where the U.S. will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico. Attempts to lure Jürgen Klopp after his departure from Liverpool did not materialize, making Pochettino’s potential hiring a significant achievement for the USSF.
There are outstanding financial matters between Pochettino and Chelsea, which need to be resolved before he can officially take on the USMNT role. It is anticipated that he will be in place in time for the team’s match against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 7.
Pochettino is expected to maintain a European base, enabling him to observe many national team players in prominent European leagues without relocating to the U.S. full time. Additionally, there were discussions about Pochettino as a candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as manager of the England national team.