Pep Guardiola identified as primary candidate to succeed Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT manager

U.S. Soccer has identified Pep Guardiola as the top candidate to manage the United States men's national team. This development follows the expected move of current manager Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United. Pochettino is currently negotiating a transfer to the English club following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.

Pochettino departure and contract details

Mauricio Pochettino is scheduled to manage the United States against Haiti during the current FIFA window. Despite his expected departure, Pochettino remains under contract with the national team until 2030. His current agreement includes a release clause valued at approximately 10 million euros or 11 million USD. The exact value of this release clause remains subject to dispute between 10 million euros and 11 million USD.

The United States men's national team has seen significant progress under Pochettino, who led the team to the Round of 16 in the previous World Cup. His departure follows a period of stability for the program, which began when U.S. Soccer hired Pochettino in 2024.

Guardiola candidacy and history

Pep Guardiola, the 55-year-old Spanish football manager, has emerged as the primary successor for the position. Guardiola departed Manchester City in the summer of 2026 after a 10-year tenure with the club. Before the hiring of Pochettino in 2024, U.S. Soccer had previously considered Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Pochettino as potential candidates for the role.

Guardiola has a personal relationship with former U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati. The manager has also expressed interest in the region, having previously resided in New York City in 2012. Guardiola rejected a formal proposal to manage the Italian national team in early 2026.

Regarding the potential transition, Pep Guardiola said, "The United States is a fascinating country for a long-term project to advance the national team."

Manchester United transition

The movement of coaching staff within major international and club teams continues to reshape the football landscape. Mauricio Pochettino is currently in negotiations to join Manchester United. This move comes in the wake of the dismissal of Michael Carrick from the English club. The transition of Pochettino from the United States men's national team to a major Premier League side highlights the competitive nature of international coaching appointments.

Glossary

• FIFA window — The FIFA window refers to a period in the FIFA International match Calendar. It is used for scheduling international matches and competitions.
• Round of 16 — The round of 16 is a stage in a tournament where the top eight teams from each group advance. In this stage, teams play a single-elimination tournament on a single-leg basis.
• World Cup — The World Cup is a football tournament featuring various national teams. It includes group stages and knockout stages.