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Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"970b4092-1503-489f-8c1b-5f42e40e36b5","teamId":"9vh2u1p4ppm597tjfahst2m3n"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Pochettino to succeed Gregg Berhalter</li><li>Former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham</li><li>U.S. looking ahead to World Cup on home soil</li></ul>

USMNT reportedly set to name ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as next head coach

Former Chelsea, PSG, and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to become the next U.S. head coach, according to The Athletic.U.S. Soccer has been on a high-profile search for the next men's national team manager after parting ways with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/gregg-berhalter-reportedly-out-as-usmnt-coach-in-wake-of-copa-america-failure/bltf2025138bcad4c1a" target="_blank">Gregg Berhalter following a disastrous Copa America performance</a> on home soil.The U.S. crashed out in the group stage and became the first-ever Copa hosts to not make it to the knockout rounds. As a result, Berhalter was handed his marching orders midway through a second cycle despite receiving a new contract in June 2023.With the U.S. set to co-host its first World Cup since 1994 alongside Canada and Mexico, the Americans can't afford another letdown in 2026. U.S. Soccer needed a head coach who could inspire the fanbase and were <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/usmnt-negotiations-with-ex-crystal-palace-boss-patrick-vieira/blta68709d91774f0ff" target="_blank">linked with several well-known managers</a> - including Jurgen Klopp, Luis de la Fuente, Patrick Vieira, Pellegrino Matarazzo and Pochettino.With Pochettino reportedly agreeing to terms, he will now tasked with picking up the pieces and, more importantly, prepping the USMNT for the 2026 tournament on home soil.Pochettino was let go from Chelsea this spring after one season with the club, which finished sixth in the Premier League and didn’t qualify for this season of UEFA Champions League.ESPN reported that Pochettino's is owed money by Chelsea and until resolved he cannot sign a contract with the USMNT. Pochettino would be able to keep a European base and not move to the U.S. full time.Meanwhile, the London Telegraph reported that U.S. Soccer will not have to pay any compensation to Chelsea to hire Pochettino, as the terms of his exit dictated that only a top-six Premier League club would have to pay a $6.4M fee to appoint him within six months of his Stamford Bridge exit.Ivan Kasanzew was <a href="https://x.com/ivankasanzew/status/1823877213667668304?s=46" target="_self">first to report the news</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pochettino, 52, comes to the USMNT with vast experience, although this is his first job on the international level.After a decorated playing career that saw him earn 20 caps for Argentina, Pochettino's managerial career began with his former club, Espanyol, in 2009. In 2013, he was hired by Southampton, but spent just one year there before joining his most notable team: Tottenham. He helped lead Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, building a team around Harry Kane that contended at the top of the Premier League throughout his tenure.After being dismissed due to a slow start in 2019, he went on to manage Paris Saint-Germain, winning one Ligue 1 title, before spending one season in charge of a chaotic Chelsea team.Pochettino does have a connection to U.S. Soccer, as he previously worked alongside Matt Crocker, who worked with Southampton's academy during the coach's time there.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Crocker has previously said <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/us-soccer-usmnt-uswnt-coaches-emma-hayes/bltf7ef439b580fa406" target="_blank">U.S. Soccer would be willing to make a splash</a> to get the right person for the job: “It’s a really competitive market out there, salary-wise, and we have to be competitive to get the level of coach that I believe can take the program forward in terms of achieving the results that we want on the field," he said. "It’s a priority. It’s something we’re prepared to invest in and something that we will be investing in.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

The Pochettino era could begin as early as September when the U.S. returns to action for two friendlies. On Sept. 7 in Kansas City, they face Canada, now led by Jesse Marsch, who was once linked to the U.S. job. The Americans then head to Cincinnati to host New Zealand on Sept. 10. Pochettino is expected to be installed in time to take charge of the USMNT game against&nbsp;Canada.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

USMNT reportedly set to name ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as next head coach | Goal.com US

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to be named U.S. men&apos;s national team coach as the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss will lead the U.S. into 2026.