Mauricio Pochettino has announced his departure from his position as head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team to accept a role with Manchester United. Pochettino had assumed leadership of the USMNT in 2024 and guided the team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup held this year, where the squad finished first in its group and advanced to the knockout round.
During his tenure with the national team, Pochettino oversaw a significant roster evaluation, assessing more than 70 players and implementing what he characterized as a comprehensive cultural rebuild. His coaching approach emphasized attacking play and produced notable accomplishments, including the team’s first knockout-round victory since 2002. The three wins Pochettino secured at this year’s World Cup represent the most achieved by any USMNT coach at a single tournament.
At a press conference, Pochettino characterized his decision to depart as one of the most challenging of his career, noting that while he had been enthusiastic about the national team project, the Manchester United opportunity represented a significant career milestone. Earlier in the year, he had signed a contract extension with U.S. Soccer committing him through the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Federation leadership praised Pochettino’s impact on the program, with U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson noting that the coach had elevated standards across the men’s program and heightened national belief in American soccer’s potential. Before departing, Pochettino will oversee two additional matches against Haiti. Steve Cherundolo, a former USMNT player and recent MLS head coach, will serve as interim head coach while U.S. Soccer initiates a search for a permanent replacement to lead the program through the next World Cup cycle.
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