U.S. Soccer Targets Pep Guardiola as Top Candidate to Replace Pochettino

U.S. Soccer is preparing an ambitious push to hire Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), according to reports from The Athletic. The federation’s contingency plan comes as current manager Mauricio Pochettino nears an agreement to leave his post for Manchester United.

Manchester United is reportedly ready to trigger a $10 million release clause in Pochettino’s contract following the USMNT’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti. With the coaching seat expected to open soon, federation officials have identified Guardiola as their primary target to lead the program toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Guardiola, 55, is currently on a sabbatical after stepping down from Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season. He has previously expressed a strong desire to manage a national team at a major tournament and holds a well-documented affinity for the United States, having lived in New York City during a past break from coaching.

While no formal offer has been made, U.S. Soccer is exploring private donor funding to help finance a competitive contract package. Because the USMNT does not play again until March 2027, officials have a four-month window to persuade Guardiola to return to the touchline.