Pochettino Identified as Top Target to Coach USMNT

The United States Soccer Federation has identified Mauricio Pochettino as a leading candidate for the men's national team head coach position and is currently in discussions with the Argentine coach's representatives, according to reports from The Athletic's Paul Tenorio.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who had a brief overlap with Pochettino during his tenure at Southampton while working in the club's academy, has indicated that the federation is willing to offer a top-level salary to attract an elite head coach. Pochettino has been recognized as one of the best-paid managers in world football during his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly declined the opportunity to take charge of the USMNT in July.

U.S. Soccer dismissed Gregg Berhalter as head coach following the team's elimination from the Copa America group stage this summer. Berhalter had previously led the U.S. to victory in the CONCACAF Nations League in 2020 and 2023 and secured a Gold Cup title in 2021 with a second-string squad. However, he ultimately did not meet U.S. Soccer's elevated expectations as the nation prepares to host the next men's World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” Crocker stated after Berhalter's departure.

Pochettino is held in high regard within European football. The 52-year-old received acclaim for his tactical approach at Espanyol and exceeded expectations with an eighth-place finish at Southampton in the Premier League. He enjoyed significant success during a five-and-a-half-year period at Tottenham Hotspur, achieving a second-place finish in the league and guiding the club to finals in both the Champions League and League Cup. Pochettino won his first managerial trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, securing Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions.

Chelsea parted ways with Pochettino in May after his single season in charge resulted in a sixth-place finish for the club.