Future Prospects: Potential Coaches for the USMNT Post-Pochettino Era
The U.S. men's national team is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino. However, with Pochettino's contract set to end after the tournament, the team is already looking towards the future. The departure of Matt Crocker, the former U.S. Soccer technical director, has added a new dimension to the coaching search for the USMNT.
One potential candidate to replace Pochettino is Didier Deschamps, the current manager of the French national team. Deschamps has an impressive track record, having led France to a World Cup title in 2018 and a Euro 2016 final. While the talent level of the USMNT may not match that of France, Deschamps could be enticed by the challenge of coaching in North America.
Another ambitious option for the USMNT is Pep Guardiola, the current manager of Manchester City. Guardiola's contract with City runs until 2027, but there is a possibility of him taking on the USMNT role in the future. His experience and coaching style could be a good fit for developing the younger players in the USMNT pool.
Pellegrino Matarazzo, the New Jersey native and current manager of Real Sociedad, could also be a contender for the USMNT job. Matarazzo has already made history as the first American manager in La Liga and has experience coaching in Germany and Spain. His success in Europe could make him an attractive option for U.S. Soccer.
Steve Cherundolo, who most recently coached LAFC to multiple titles, is another candidate with ample domestic coaching experience. Cherundolo, who also has 87 caps for the USMNT as a player, could bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. Despite currently being out of soccer, he could be persuaded to return to coaching.
Jesse Marsch, the current Canada manager, was previously in the running for the USMNT job in 2023. While he ultimately did not land the role, his experience and knowledge of the U.S. Soccer system could make him a strong candidate for the position in the future. With a diverse pool of potential coaches, the USMNT has several options to consider as they plan for the post-Pochettino era.