Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the next USMNT head coach, according to reports.
According to The Standard, the 52-year-old is set to pen a deal that will see him lead the national team into the home World Cup in 2026, just a few months after being let go by Chelsea.
Pochettino was also under consideration for the England job but will be out of the running now in a move that will likely delight interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley.
The former Tottenham boss led Chelsea to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, securing European football despite a poor start.
He was also linked to the Manchester United job, but owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted to give Erik ten Hag a one-year extension after winning the FA Cup last term.
But his move to the US is a real coup for a nation that recently crashed out of the Copa America group stages.
🚨🇺🇸 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
Gregg Berhalter had run out of time in his second stint as manager and although Jurgen Klopp had been touted as a dream replacement, Pochettino is an excellent appointment.
He has previously worked with US sporting director Matt Crocker during his time in charge of Southampton.
He is said to have led the recruitment process and looks to have captured the highest-profile manager for the USMNT since Jurgen Klinsmann.
