Mauricio Pochettino has agreed terms to become the next head coach of the U.S men’s national team.
Pochettino left Chelsea at the end of last season by ‘mutual consent’ after just one season in charge of the West Londoners, in which he led the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
The Argentine had been named as a potential candidate to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, following the latter’s decision to step down from the role after Euro 2024. Lee Carsley has been appointed as interim manager of then Three Lions while the recruitment process continues.
Pochettino now looks set to move into international management, though will do so across the Atlantic, according to The Athletic, after agreeing terms with the USA.
What is the challenge facing Pochettino with the USMNT?
The 52-year-old will be tasked with leading the USA in their 2026 World Cup campaign, where The Stars and Stripes will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
The USMNT sacked head coach Gregg Berhalter following a disappointing Copa America campaign this summer, where the US became the first host nation ever to be eliminated at the group stage.
Pochettino’s appointment will represent a significant coup for the USMNT, given his experience at some of Europe’s top clubs.
After spells with Southampton and Tottenham, where he led the latter to the Champions League final in 2019, Pochettino won the Ligue 1 title at Paris Saint-Germain before his short tenure at Chelsea.
He will inherit a squad full of potential that features Premier League names including Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson and Bournenouth midfielder Tyler Adams.
