Mauricio Pochettino has accepted the position as the new coach of the United States, tasked with guiding the team to the 2026 World Cup, according to ESPN sources on Thursday.
Pochettino, aged 52, has been without a job since parting ways with Chelsea by mutual agreement after a single season at the helm at Stamford Bridge.
Following extensive talks with Matt Crocker, the USSF technical director, the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach has agreed to replace Gregg Berhalter as the head coach of the USMNT.
Crocker, with past experience at Premier League club Southampton and the English Football Association, was responsible for securing a top-tier coach to help the USMNT be competitive in the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
While attempts to engage Jürgen Klopp after his departure from Liverpool did not materialize, securing Pochettino is considered a significant victory for the USSF.
Another source mentioned to ESPN that Pochettino’s financial disputes with Chelsea are still pending, preventing him from signing a contract with the USMNT until resolved.
Pochettino is anticipated to lead the USMNT in their upcoming match against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 7.
He is expected to maintain a European base and not relocate full-time to the U.S., allowing him to monitor most of the national team players in the major European leagues.
Pochettino was also a potential candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as the manager of England, sources added.
