U.S. Soccer Eyes Guardiola if Pochettino Leaves

U.S. Soccer has discussed Pep Guardiola at multiple levels and would make him a leading target for the men’s national team coaching job if Mauricio Pochettino leaves for Manchester United, according to reporting attributed to people familiar with the federation’s recruitment discussions. Neither Pochettino’s departure nor an agreement to join the English club had been officially confirmed in the reports published November 11 and 12, 2026.

Pochettino remained with the U.S. team as it prepared for two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti. The fixtures were scheduled for November 14 in Miami and November 17 in Cincinnati. Reports said he was expected to continue in charge through those games, with a possible move to Manchester United afterward. The federation’s interest in Guardiola is conditional on Pochettino leaving.

Guardiola, 55, is not currently managing a club after leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season. Whether he would consider taking the U.S. job is unknown. He has previously said he wanted to take a break from management, and in a 2025 interview described the possible length as ranging from one year to 15 years. A report also said...