Mauricio Pochettino is details away from becoming the new U.S. men’s national team coach, with almost every reputable transfer source in the world confirming that Pochettino has agreed to take over the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the US to World Cup 2026.
After contacts with several managers, former Chelsea and Spurs head coach says yes to proposal and project, as per reports in US overnight.Poch’s back. pic.twitter.com/e6JmmU2AGz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
Pochettino, as much as he has 'agreed' to become the new U.S. manager, is yet to sign any deal with U.S. Soccer to make his appointment official and it might have something to do with his abrupt sacking from his previous club.
When will Pochettino be announced as new USMNT manager? Argentine waiting to resolve Chelsea situation
According to Mark Ogden, the Argentine’s situation with previous club Chelsea remains unresolved, with the club owing the manager money following his sacking last May.
This, until resolved, will hold Pochettino back from signing a contract with another club or nation.
The delay to see Pochettino confirmed as new U.S. coach, or agreement on a settlement for the Argentine, would come after reports of Chelsea potentially receiving a compensation of around $6.4 million (the value of Pochettino’s remaining Chelsea contract at the time of his sacking) if he was to sign with another Premier League “top-six” club.
Now that Pochettino is close to joining the USMNT — closing the door on the compensation for Chelsea — both parties will now have to negotiate on an amount.
This situation will most likely worked to be resolved in the coming weeks, as U.S. Soccer technical director, Matt Crocker, had expressed his goal to announce the new USMNT head coach prior to the team’s upcoming international matches.
The U.S. will face Canada and New Zealand on Sept. 7 and 10 in the first pair of matches following the group stage exit of the 2024 Copa America.
