Report: Pochettino identified as top target to coach USMNT

The United States Soccer Federation identified Mauricio Pochettino as a leading candidate for the men's national team vacancy and is in talks with the Argentine coach's representatives, reports The Athletic's Paul Tenorio.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker - who briefly overlapped with Pochettino's Southampton tenure while working in the English club's successful academy - has indicated the federation is prepared to pay a top-level salary to attract an elite head coach to the men's team. Reports have indicated that Pochettino was one of the best-paid bosses in world football during his spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly rejected the chance to oversee the USMNT in July.

U.S. Soccer sacked Gregg Berhalter as head coach following this summer's group-stage elimination from the Copa America. Berhalter won the CONCACAF Nations League in 2020 and 2023 and led a second-string side to success in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. However, he ultimately couldn't meet U.S. Soccer's heightened demands as the country hosts the next men's World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

"Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup," Crocker said after Berhalter's dismissal.

Pochettino is highly regarded in European football. The 52-year-old earned plaudits for his tactical approach at Espanyol before surpassing expectations with an eighth-placed finish with Southampton in the Premier League. Pochettino subsequently finished as high as second during a five-and-a-half-year spell with Tottenham Hotspur while guiding the club to finals in the Champions League and League Cup. He earned his first silverware as a manager when he won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions with Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea parted ways with Pochettino in May after his single season in charge of the big-spending club culminated with a sixth-placed finish.