Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT tenure is tied to the 2026 World Cup, but his likely return to club management and the sudden exit of technical director Matt Crocker have forced U.S. Soccer to prepare for a high-stakes coaching search. Here are five realistic successors — from Didier Deschamps to Jesse Marsch — and what each appointment would mean for the program.
Why Pochettino’s future forces a USMNT reset
Mauricio Pochettino is fully committed to preparing the U.S. men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup, but his contract only runs through the tournament. His repeated admissions of missing club football make a post-World Cup departure increasingly probable. That potential exit, compounded by Matt Crocker’s departure as U.S. Soccer technical director, leaves the federation scrambling for continuity and strategy at a critical moment for the USMNT.
What the timing means
If Pochettino leaves after 2026, U.S. Soccer must choose quickly to stabilize the program and maintain momentum into the 2027-2030 World Cup cycle. The next coach will inherit a changing player pool — young talent entering their prime and established overseas pros — and will face pressure to convert domestic enthusiasm into consistent international results.
Five realistic candidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino
Didier Deschamps — Proven winner, elite pedigree
Didier Deschamps would be the headline choice. As France’s long-serving manager and a 2018 World Cup winner, he brings unrivaled tournament experience and an elite winning culture. The downside is obvious: France’s depth dwarfs the USMNT’s talent pool, and convincing Deschamps to relocate to the U.S. and temper expectations would be a major ask. Still, his track record could professionalize structures and instill a ruthless tournament mentality.
Pep Guardiola — The transformative, long-game gamble
Pep Guardiola represents a “swing for the fences” option. His tactical sophistication and player development at Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester City are world-class. Contractual realities and his current Manchester City tie make an immediate move unlikely, but a long-term plan (aiming at 2030) could fit U.S. Soccer’s ambitions if they want to overhaul playing identity. Guardiola’s style demands time and a compatible recruitment strategy — a patient federation would benefit, a short-term one would not.
Pellegrino Matarazzo — American in Europe, tactical continuity
Pellegrino Matarazzo checks boxes: New Jersey roots, La Liga experience, and recent club success. As one of the few Americans coaching at a top European level, he understands both domestic culture and elite European structures. He has previously declined USMNT overtures, but a post-World Cup pitch could be persuasive. Matarazzo would likely prioritize development pathways for U.S. players already based in Europe.
Steve Cherundolo — Domestic credibility and cultural fit
Steve Cherundolo is the domestic, safe pair-of-hands candidate. His MLS pedigree with LAFC, trophy résumé, and 87 USMNT caps give him instant credibility with players and fans. Cherundolo offers continuity with U.S. Soccer’s domestic ecosystem and could accelerate integration of MLS talent. He may lack the international marquee status of other candidates, but his experience should translate into a pragmatic, cohesive national program.
Jesse Marsch — Proven in North America, development-focused
Jesse Marsch has rebuilt Canada into a competitive program and expanded its player pool, demonstrating results with a similar resource base to the U.S. His Premier League and European club experience add tactical versatility. Marsch has publicly committed to Canada for now, but his profile makes him an obvious contender: he blends domestic understanding with international coaching chops and a track record of raising standards quickly.
What U.S. Soccer must prioritize
The federation should be clear on two priorities: technical continuity and residency/resourcing flexibility. Replacing Matt Crocker weakens institutional memory; the next coach must either be empowered with a strong technical director or be given long-term control of the playing and development pathways. U.S. Soccer also needs clarity on residency expectations — insisting all coaches live in the U.S. could eliminate top European options.
What each hire would signal
A Deschamps or Guardiola hire signals ambition and a push for instant credibility on the world stage. Matarazzo or Marsch would emphasize tactical modernization while valuing European integration. Cherundolo would prioritize domestic stability and cultural fit. Each profile carries trade-offs between immediate results, player development, and long-term identity building.
Bottom line — act swiftly, but wisely
Pochettino’s likely exit is a looming inflection point for the USMNT. The window to secure elite candidates is narrow and competition global. U.S. Soccer must move quickly to fill technical leadership and define a coherent vision: are they buying instant prestige, a long-term architect, or a domestic steady hand? The federation’s choice will shape American soccer’s competitive arc through 2030.
The U.S. Soccer Federation could be on the hunt for a new USMNT manager after hosting the 2026 World Cup.
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