Pochettino Leaves USMNT After 2030 Extension to Join Manchester United
The Argentine tactician will manage the English club after leading the U.S. to a Round of 16 finish at the 2026 World Cup.
By Diego Mendoza ·
Mauricio Pochettino is stepping down as head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team to take the managerial position at Manchester United. The move ends a tenure that began in 2024, shortly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and follows a period where the U.S. team finished first in its group and won its first knockout-round game since 2002.
During a press conference on Friday, Pochettino described the decision as one of the most difficult of his career. He stated that while he was excited about the project of revamping the national team, the offer from Manchester United represented the next step to try to make his dreams come true. His tenure produced three wins at the World Cup, the most by any U.S. national team coach at a single tournament.
J.T. Batson, the CEO of U.S. Soccer, credited Pochettino with raising the standard across the federation. Batson noted that the belief in what is possible for soccer in the United States has never been higher, despite the men's program historically being viewed as below traditional powers in Europe and South America. The CEO emphasized that the ambition for the next cycle remains high.
Pochettino arrived with approximately 18 months remaining before the World Cup began. In that time, he evaluated more than 70 players to rebuild the roster and address a culture of complacency. His aggressive attacking style earned praise from players and fans. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter said the coach helped him develop as a player and a person, providing trust and belief in his abilities.
Pochettino will remain in charge for two upcoming matches against Haiti before departing for England. He previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain and played in the 2002 World Cup for Argentina. In August 2026, he signed a contract extension to lead the U.S. team through the 2030 World Cup, a deal that will now be fulfilled by his successor.
Steve Cherundolo, a former U.S. national team player and former head coach of LAFC, will serve as the interim head coach. U.S. Soccer will begin a search for a permanent replacement to lead the team during the four-year cycle leading up to the 2030 World Cup. Batson called the position one of the great coaching jobs in the world.
Pochettino's departure marks a shift in leadership for the U.S. men's team just weeks after their World Cup run. The federation aims to maintain the momentum from the 2026 tournament while it identifies the next long-term leader for the program.
