Reports: Mauricio Pochettino agrees to become next USMNT head coach

U.S. Soccer has reportedly reeled in one of the biggest free agent head coaches on the market.

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the next USMNT head coach, according to multiple reports. No official announcement has come yet from U.S. Soccer on the potential hiring.

The 52-year-old was previously linked with the USMNT job by Ole in July.

Pochettino left English Premier League side Chelsea by mutual consent last May despite helping the Blues qualify for European competition this season. He registered a 26-11-14 record as Blues manager, leading them to the EFL Cup Final last winter.

A long-time international player, Pochettino is well known for his time as Tottenham manager from May 2014-November 2019. He led Spurs to a UEFA Champions League Final (loss to Liverpool) before eventually moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

All three of his trophies won as a manager came at PSG before joining Chelsea ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign. Pochettino has also served as manager of Spanish club Espanyol and English side Southampton.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker and Pochettino did overlap at Southampton while Crocker led the club’s academy. Pochettino led the Saints to an eighth-place league finish in 2013.

Former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter parted ways with U.S. Soccer in July after the Americans exited the 2024 Copa America tournament in the group stage.

The USMNT return to action this September with a pair of home friendlies vs. Canada and New Zealand.