Headline: USMNT Faces Managerial Transition as Pochettino Nears Departure for Manchester United
The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is poised for a new direction as Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-month tenure comes to a close. The 54-year-old Argentine is reportedly on the verge of leaving to take the helm at Manchester United, just three months after extending his contract through the 2030 World Cup, which contains an exit clause.
During his time with the USMNT, Pochettino led the team to significant achievements, including a Gold Cup final, a Nations League semifinal, and a Round of 16 finish in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As the team gears up for Nations League competitions and the next World Cup cycle, the U.S. Soccer Federation is now on the hunt for a new men’s manager. The organization made a bold move when hiring Pochettino, but the question remains whether they will choose a familiar face or seek out another high-profile candidate for the role.
Several potential candidates have emerged to replace Pochettino:
B.J. Callaghan
A well-known figure, Callaghan served as an assistant coach under Gregg Berhalter and filled in as interim manager during Berhalter’s two stints. In his brief managerial period, he oversaw seven matches and led the USMNT to victory in the 2022-23 Nations League. At 45, Callaghan recently signed a contract extension lasting through the 2028-29 season and is currently focused on preparing Nashville SC for the MLS playoffs, having previously secured the Supporters’ Shield.
Mikey Varas
Varas also managed the USMNT briefly during Berhalter’s absence, leading the team in two friendlies, with one loss and one draw. The 43-year-old took charge of the U.S. U-20 squad in 2021 and led them to consecutive victories in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. He subsequently helped San Diego FC achieve the best record in the Western Conference in 2025.
Pellegrino Matarazzo
At 48, Matarazzo has built a successful managerial career in Germany. He guided Stuttgart to Bundesliga promotion and helped Hoffenheim qualify for the Europa League. Most recently, he led Real Sociedad to a Copa del Rey title. His style of play aligns closely with Pochettino’s, making for a seamless transition should he take over.
Thierry Henry
The former international star Henry has ventured into coaching following an illustrious playing career. After working with Arsenal’s youth teams, he served as an assistant for Belgium, where the team secured a third-place finish in the 2018 World Cup. Henry briefly managed Monaco and the Montreal Impact, where he broke their playoff drought in 2019. Recently, he has expressed interest in the USMNT position.
Steve Cherundolo
Currently leading the U.S. men’s U-23 team for the upcoming 2028 Olympics, Cherundolo has transitioned into coaching after a lengthy playing career. As an assistant coach for the national team since 2018 and head coach of LAFC, he won the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in his first year. A successful run at the Olympics could position him for the national team role.
Pep Guardiola
If the U.S. Soccer Federation is willing to invest in high-caliber management, Guardiola could be an intriguing option, given his success with major clubs. Guardiola has previously shared his views on American soccer’s growth and the development of players, making him a potentially influential figure in reshaping the national team.
Other Names of Note
- Julian Nagelsmann, who has experience managing Germany’s national team, could also be considered.
- Roberto Martínez, who has led Belgium and Portugal, brings substantial international experience.
- Jesse Marsch has decisively ruled out coaching the USMNT while currently managing Canada.
As the USMNT prepares for its future, the focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Pochettino, a task that could reshape the team’s trajectory as they head toward the next World Cup.
