News (FIFA Plus)Tournaments & EventsTournamentsMauricio Pochettino
Pochettino calls time on USA role
Argentine coach is ending his tenure with the Stars and Stripes to join English Premier League giants Manchester United.
Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the United States, applauds fans after the 1-4 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
After guiding USA to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Mauricio Pochettino has decided to leave his role as Stars and Stripes coach.
The former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea coach is making a return to the English Premier League with Manchester United, where he is replacing the departed Michael Carrick.
His final games in charge of USA will be the two-legged Concacaf Nations Cup quarter-final against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday.
"The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career. We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country,” Pochettino told US Soccer's official website.
“There is tremendous talent in the US player pool from the youth teams through to the senior team, and it’s one of the reasons we have so much belief for the future of US Soccer. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will be supporting the teams whenever they step on the field."
The 54-year-old joined USA in September 2024 in his first international role, succeeding Gregg Berhalter.
He enjoyed mixed success, guiding the team to the Concacaf Gold Cup final in 2025 with an under-strength squad and then the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil, when they were knocked out after a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Pochettino signed a new contract with US Soccer after the global showpiece, taking him through to the FIFA World Cup 2030™. But he has decided to make a return to club football in Europe, where he made his name.
He leaves a lasting legacy, having revived domestic enthusiasm and excitement for the USA men's team and then blooding a series of up-and-coming stars such as Mathis Albert, Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan.
Video: USA v Paraguay | Group D | FIFA World Cup 2026™ | Highlights
“Mauricio has left a lasting mark on U.S. Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture,” said US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson.
“What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins. He and his staff raised standards, strengthened our culture and created clearer connections from the Youth National Teams to the senior team. Those changes are now embedded in how we operate, and we will keep building on them as we pursue sustained success on the world stage.”
Batson’s next task is to work with the US Soccer leadership team to identify Pochettino’s replacement who will guide the nation towards World Cup 2030. Steve Cherundolo will be at the helm for the upcoming December training camp, which will feature primarily home-based players.
“With the great combination of veterans, fantastic young talent and a world-class facility, we are confident in the future of this program,” Batson added. “We are looking for a leader with the talent, experience and belief to match our ambition, build on the culture and pathway now in place and help the USMNT take the next step.”