Mauricio Pochettino quits USMNT for Manchester United : NPR
NPR • • sports
Key Points:
- Mauricio Pochettino is leaving his role as head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team to become the manager of Manchester United in the English Premier League.
- Pochettino led the USMNT to a Round of 16 finish in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, achieving the team's best knockout performance since 2002 and earning praise for his aggressive attacking style.
- U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson credited Pochettino with raising the standards of the men's program and increasing belief in the team's potential on the global stage.
- Steve Cherundolo will serve as interim head coach for the USMNT during the search for a permanent replacement ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle.
- Pochettino will coach two upcoming matches against Haiti before departing, having signed an extension earlier in 2024 to lead the team through 2030 before deciding to move on.
