Guardiola on the agenda for the USMNT

Following developments over Mauricio Pochettino's future with the US Men's National Team, a new name has emerged for the head coaching job. According to a report published by The Athletic with the byline of Paul Tenorio, Henry Bushnell and Tom Bogert, the US Soccer Federation has begun working on candidates in case of Pochettino's possible departure.

According to the report, the federation sees Pep Guardiola as one of its primary targets for the new head coach role. It is also stated that Manchester United continues its efforts to bring Pochettino in to lead the team. It is said that if the Argentine coach leaves the US Men's National Team, the Guardiola option could come to the fore.

This is not the first time the federation has been interested in Guardiola. In 2024, during its head coach search, the US Soccer Federation also made contact with the Spanish coach, but chose Pochettino instead. Guardiola has previously said that the idea of a long-term project in the United States could excite him.

Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of the 2025-2026 season, is not currently managing a team. It has been reported that he is in no hurry to return to work and had previously turned down the offer from the Italian national team. For this reason, it is said that convincing the experienced coach may not be easy. Whether Pochettino moves to Manchester United and how the US head coaching plan takes shape will become clear in the coming period.