Potential Candidates to Replace Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT Manager Post-2026 World Cup
The U.S. Soccer Federation may need to find a new manager for the USMNT following the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino is currently leading the team in preparation for the tournament, but his contract will end after the World Cup, raising questions about his future with the team. The departure of Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer technical director who brought Pochettino and Emma Hayes to the USMNT and USWNT, respectively, adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
One potential candidate to replace Pochettino is Didier Deschamps, the current manager of the French national team. Deschamps has an impressive track record with France, including winning the 2018 World Cup. While coaching the USMNT would present a different challenge, Deschamps' experience and success could make him a strong candidate for the role.
Another ambitious option for the USMNT is Pep Guardiola, the current manager of Manchester City. Guardiola's contract with Manchester City runs until 2027, but there is a possibility of him taking on the USMNT role in the future. His coaching style may need to be adapted to suit the current USMNT player pool, but his experience and success could be valuable for the team.
Pellegrino Matarazzo, the current manager of Real Sociedad and a New Jersey native, could also be a potential candidate for the USMNT role. Matarazzo has made history as the first American manager in La Liga and has experience coaching in Germany and Spain. His success in leading Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey title 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's history with the USMNT as a player and his success as a coach could make him a strong contender for the role. Despite currently being out of soccer, he could be lured back to the U.S. for the right opportunity.
Jesse Marsch, the current Canada manager, is another potential candidate for the USMNT role. Marsch has experience coaching abroad and has helped elevate the Canadian national team to new heights. While he has expressed his commitment to Canada, the USMNT could still try to entice him with a compelling offer. The future of the USMNT coaching position remains uncertain, but these candidates could be key players in the search for a new manager post-2026 World Cup.