The United States Soccer Federation is expected to make Pep Guardiola a leading target to replace Mauricio Pochettino if the Argentine completes his anticipated move to Manchester United. Reports citing The Athletic say U.S. Soccer is preparing to approach the former Manchester City manager, whose availability has created an opportunity for the federation to consider another high-profile appointment.
Guardiola Emerges As A Leading Option
According to reporting from The Athletic, as relayed by the New York Post, Guardiola has been discussed internally at several levels of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s recruitment process. The report indicates that the federation is likely to make contact if Pochettino leaves the national-team position.
talkSPORT has also reported that Guardiola is wanted by U.S. Soccer as a potential successor. The development follows growing reports that Pochettino has reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United, although the move still depends on the resolution of his contract with the federation and United’s managerial situation.
It is important to separate the federation’s reported interest from an actual approach or agreement. There has been no public confirmation that Guardiola has been contacted over this latest vacancy, nor has the Spaniard indicated that he has accepted or is negotiating for the USMNT role.
Pochettino’s Manchester United Move Creates A Succession Question
Pochettino’s possible departure has come only months after U.S. Soccer announced a new contract keeping him in charge through 2030. In its August 3 announcement, the federation described the extension as a new phase of its long-term project, with Pochettino and his staff expected to contribute across the wider men’s national-team programme.
Manchester United’s reported agreement with Pochettino has therefore created an unexpected coaching vacancy risk ahead of the next phase of the United States’ international programme. The Guardian has reported that the Argentine is interested in the Old Trafford opportunity and that his contract is understood to contain a release clause of approximately $10 million.
Why Guardiola Would Be A Statement Appointment
Guardiola’s coaching record makes him an obvious headline candidate. He won major domestic honours with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, while his teams became known for possession-based football, positional rotations, aggressive pressing and detailed tactical preparation. His experience at elite clubs would give the United States a manager with a proven record of building dominant teams.
However, international football presents a different challenge. Unlike club managers, national-team coaches have limited time with players, fewer opportunities to train tactical patterns and must build a competitive side from footballers who arrive from different clubs and systems. Guardiola would need to adapt his methods to the realities of international windows and tournament football.
There is also the question of motivation. Guardiola left Manchester City in the summer and has been linked with taking time away from day-to-day coaching. He previously turned down the opportunity to manage Italy, with reports suggesting he wanted a period away from the pressure of management. The Athletic reporting summarised by RealGM notes that his willingness to return remains uncertain.
Guardiola Has Previously Praised The USMNT Project
The possibility is not entirely new. Guardiola was part of the wider conversation during the federation’s previous coaching search in 2024, before Pochettino was appointed. He has also spoken positively about the potential of American football and the opportunity to build a long-term project with the national team.
His previous comments offer U.S. Soccer a reason to test the possibility, but public praise for a programme should not be interpreted as a promise to take the job. The federation would still need to present a convincing sporting project, clarify its expectations and determine whether Guardiola is ready to return to the touchline.
Other Candidates Could Remain In The Picture
Even if Guardiola is the federation’s preferred high-profile option, U.S. Soccer is unlikely to rely on one name alone. CBS Sports has discussed domestic and international alternatives, including B.J. Callaghan, Steve Cherundolo, Wilfried Nancy and Roberto Martínez. The eventual choice may depend on the federation’s preferred balance between international reputation, familiarity with the American player pool and long-term commitment.
An internal candidate such as Cherundolo could offer continuity within the national-team structure, while Callaghan has experience in the U.S. system and Major League Soccer. A coach with international experience could bring a different perspective, but the federation would need to ensure that any appointment understands the development pathways and competitive demands of the American game.
HeadlinesXtra Analysis
Guardiola would be an extraordinary appointment for the USMNT, but the federation faces a difficult recruitment task. His tactical reputation and record of winning trophies would attract global attention, potentially raise expectations and strengthen the profile of the national-team project as the United States looks towards the 2030 World Cup.
Yet the most important question is not simply whether U.S. Soccer can persuade a famous coach to take the job. It is whether the federation can appoint someone whose football philosophy, player-development priorities and commitment match the programme’s long-term needs. Guardiola’s style could help the United States become more proactive in possession, but international success also depends on adaptability, squad balance and tournament management.
For now, Guardiola should be regarded as a reported top target rather than the confirmed next USMNT coach. Pochettino’s exit is not yet formally complete, and Guardiola’s own intentions remain unknown. The coming days should provide a clearer picture of whether U.S. Soccer moves from contingency planning to a direct approach.
Sources And Further Reading
- New York Post / Yahoo Sports: USMNT eyeing Guardiola as top target
- talkSPORT: U.S. Soccer wants Guardiola to replace Pochettino
- CBS Sports: USMNT coaching candidates after Pochettino
- The Guardian: Pochettino interested in Manchester United move
- U.S. Soccer: Pochettino contract through 2030
- RealGM: Guardiola emerges as USMNT target