USMNT World Cup Run Ends Against Belgium; 11 Candidates for Pochettino Role

After a tournament loss to Belgium, Mauricio Pochettino declined to discuss his future as U.S. Soccer considers 11 potential coaching replacements.

The U.S. men's national team saw its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign conclude following a loss to Belgium in the round of 16. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract ends after the tournament, declined to clarify his future immediately after the elimination, stating, "Now isn't the moment to talk about that." Despite the exit, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson confirmed that the federation has engaged in contract talks to retain the manager. Batson noted that Pochettino and assistant Jesus Perez have been integral to long-term planning, specifically assisting in the design of the national training center's athletes village based on their tenures at Tottenham, Chelsea, and PSG.

Mauricio Pochettino USMNT rumors have linked the coach to potential openings at AC Milan, Real Madrid, and various Premier League clubs. According to reports, there is currently no specific timeframe for a decision regarding his tenure. While the federation attempts to keep him, analysts have identified 11 potential candidates should a vacancy arise. Steve Cherundolo, a three-time World Cup roster member who won three trophies with LAFC, was recently named to coach the U.S. U-23 team for the 2028 Olympics. Although he prefers a style that sits deep and strikes on the counter, his new role may position him as a successor for the senior team.

Domestic Candidates and MLS Successors

Mikey Varas represents a candidate with deep ties to the current federation structure. Varas served as an interim manager for the senior team in late 2024 and led the U.S. U-20 squad to a Concacaf Championship title in 2022. Currently the head coach of San Diego FC, he led the club to the top of the Western Conference during their 2025 debut season. His tactical approach focuses on proactive possession and aggressive pressing, utilizing young talents like Duran Ferree, David Vazquez, Pedro Soma, and Luca Bombino.

B.J. Callaghan is another internal option with a proven track record. Callaghan served as a USMNT assistant for five years and led the team to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League title as interim manager. After moving to Nashville SC, he secured the 2025 U.S. Open Cup title. Nashville currently holds first place in the Eastern Conference following the World Cup break. Additionally, Brian Schmetzer of the Seattle Sounders is noted for having one of the best MLS Cup playoff records in league history during his decade-long tenure.

International Icons and European Experience

U.S. Soccer could pursue high-profile international managers like Pep Guardiola or Gareth Southgate. Guardiola, who won six Premier League titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies, recently stepped down from Manchester City. Southgate is considered for his tournament experience, having led England to two Euro finals. Thierry Henry, who led the French under-21 team to an Olympic silver medal in 2024, also understands the American system through his previous managerial stint at CF Montréal.

Pellegrino Matarazzo offers a unique profile as the first American manager to win a major trophy in a top-five European league, securing the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad. He previously led VfB Stuttgart to Bundesliga promotion in 2020 and qualified for European competition with TSG Hoffenheim. Matarazzo utilizes a high press and quick counterattacks, a style similar to the current tactical setup under Pochettino.

Tactical Specialists and Former Internationals

Julian Nagelsmann, the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich manager, is another name in the hiring pool. Nagelsmann averaged 2.31 points per game at Bayern and reached the Champions League semifinals with RB Leipzig. While his German national team tenure ended, his modern tactical chops remain highly regarded. Similarly, Thomas Frank is available after being fired by Tottenham. Although his Spurs tenure was marked by a long injury list, he previously led Brentford to play above their wage bill and possesses experience with the Danish Football Association.

Jesse Marsch, the current Canada coach, remains the most successful American coach of his generation. Marsch has managed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and the Premier League with Leeds United. He recently led Canada to the nation's highest-ever finish in a World Cup. His aggressive and snappy personality is seen by some as a potential asset for a U.S. squad looking to gain an edge in international competition as they shift focus toward the 2030 World Cup.