Mauricio Pochettino is absolutely headed back to the Premier League, ditching the USMNT with a completely unexpected vacancy just three months after signing a brand-new deal. We’re talking barely 100 days into his second term as U.S. coach, and poof, he’s gone.
Barely 100 Days, Then Poof!
This move, barring any last-minute snags, is expected to become official Friday, with a midday announcement in England, which means early morning for us here in the U.S. Yahoo Sports sources confirmed the swirling week of speculation and negotiations is finally over. Pochettino, 54, isn’t just bolting immediately though. He’s set to complete his two-year tenure with the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Those are against Haiti, first up Saturday in Miami, then Tuesday in Cincinnati. After that, he’s off to take charge of Manchester United, a storied Premier League club currently staring down its worst start in 40 years. Talk about walking into a dumpster fire and trying to turn it around! His debut with United is expected on November 22nd at Liverpool.
The World Cup Dream and the European Pull
Remember that World Cup campaign? The one that galvanized the nation over the summer? Pochettino’s 37-match spell included that run, which sadly ended in a humbling, Round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. The breakup with the USMNT comes a little over three months after he and U.S. Soccer renewed their partnership. The expectation was clear: he’d guide the team for four years, all the way to new heights at the 2030 World Cup. We’re talking a U.S.-record $6 million salary, folks!
But honestly, rehiring a coach with such deep ties to the European scene always felt like a risk. The guy kept homes in London and Barcelona, never even lived in the U.S. Even during the run-up to this year’s 2026 World Cup, Pochettino was reportedly on Tottenham and AC Milan’s short lists. The pull was always there. U.S. Soccer officials have been radio silent on this all week, but Pochettino is scheduled to address the media early Friday.
What Now for the USMNT?
So, what happens now? The USSF is expected to kick off its search for a replacement immediately. The good news, if there is any here, is that they’re not exactly in a rush. The U.S. won’t play with the full squad again until late March. The next major tournament is the CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer, and World Cup qualifying won’t even begin until next fall. That gives them some breathing room.
Potential candidates are already being tossed around. You’ve got Nashville SC’s B.J. Callaghan, who was an assistant on Gregg Berhalter’s 2022 World Cup squad and later an interim head coach. There’s former Belgium and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, U.S. under-23 coach Steve Cherundolo, and Pelegrino Matarazzo, a New Jersey native with serious European credentials now in charge of Spain’s Real Sociedad. And yeah, Pep Guardiola’s name is always gonna be on any team’s list, but let’s be real, his salary would dwarf Pochettino’s and he’s probably heading to another European giant.
It’s a wild time for U.S. Soccer. Pochettino’s final two matches against Haiti are suddenly must-watch TV. Who knew a CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal could feel so heavy with “what-ifs”? These are his last hurrahs with the red, white, and blue before he jumps to the Premier League. We’ll be watching to see how he closes out this incredibly short second act.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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