“Pochettino” to Lead U.S. Men's Soccer Team

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take over as coach of the United States men's team.

The report said the Argentine, who has been out of work since parting ways with Chelsea in May after one season with the Premier League side, would lead the team into the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

According to a source, the 52-year-old Pochettino is expected to be in place as coach of the U.S. team in time for their Sept. 7 game against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas.

The U.S. men's team have been without a coach since Gregg Berhalter was fired in July, 10 months into his second term as head coach, following a humiliating early exit on home soil at the Copa America.

Pochettino had joined Chelsea ahead of the 2023-24 campaign when he replaced interim manager Frank Lampard as the club's new owners looked to freshen things up after a 12th-place finish the previous season.

He had signed a two-year contract, with the club having the option of a further year, but left the west London side after a turbulent campaign despite a late rally that saw them finish sixth to secure European football for next season.

Efforts to recruit Jürgen Klopp following his summer exit from Liverpool failed to get off the ground, but Pochettino agreeing to take on the role is a major coup for the USSF.

A separate source said that Pochettino's situation with Chelsea remains unresolved. He is owed money by the Premier League club and until a resolution is found he cannot sign a contract to take over the USMNT.

Pochettino is expected to be installed in time to take charge of the USMNT game against Canada in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sept. 7.

Pochettino would be able to keep a European base and not move to the U.S. full time, a source said, as he could watch the bulk of the national team players in major European leagues.