MAURICIO POCHETTINO’s name has emerged as a potential candidate for the United States men’s national team (USMNT) head coach position, as per reports from Argentina. This news comes shortly after Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool boss, reportedly rejected the opportunity. The USMNT is currently in search of a new coach following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter after their surprising group stage exit in the Copa America. The urgency to fill the vacancy is heightened by the fact that the United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea, has been approached for the role and is being considered by USMNT officials. They are seeking a young and high-profile manager with experience working with top-tier players. The Argentine tactician has an impressive resume, having coached the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, and Thiago Silva. However, his most notable achievements came during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he led the team to their first-ever Champions League final and secured multiple top-four finishes in the Premier League.
While Pochettino’s tenure at Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) did not yield the same level of success, he remains an attractive candidate for both the USMNT position and potentially even the England national team job. In fact, bookmakers have placed him at 4/1 odds to become England’s next manager after Gareth Southgate’s departure.
Interestingly, former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has also expressed interest in the USMNT job. According to Spanish news outlet AS Sport, Benitez has reached out to the top officials of the USMNT Federation to showcase his interest in the project.
Looking back at Pochettino’s brief tenure at Chelsea, he had just begun to make a positive impact on the team. Despite taking charge mid-season, he guided the Blues to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa League. However, despite this progress, he mutually agreed to leave the club. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and were runners-up in the Carabao Cup.
As the search for the new USMNT head coach continues, Pochettino’s name stands out as a potential candidate due to his track record of working with top players and his previous achievements in the Premier League. The appointment of a coach like Pochettino could provide a fresh perspective and invigorate the team ahead of their hosting duties in the 2026 World Cup.