U.S. Soccer to open Guardiola negotiations next week after Pochettino's exit to Manchester United

The United States Soccer Federation will open initial negotiations with Pep Guardiola next week as it moves to fill the vacancy left by Mauricio Pochettino, who is departing for Manchester United, according to a talkSPORT report published on Saturday.

Guardiola, 55, has been one of the most sought-after free agents in world football since stepping down as Manchester City manager in May 2026 after 19 years and 41 trophies in European club management. Italy reportedly tabled an offer worth $11 million per season to take charge of the Azzurri, but Guardiola declined, stating his intention to take a year away from the game.

Should the USSF secure his signature, Guardiola would become the highest-profile head coach in international football — a remarkable distinction given he has never previously managed a national team. Pochettino, who took the U.S. job in 2024, also arrived without national-team experience, a precedent that may have smoothed the federation’s thinking on the appointment.

Pochettino will remain in charge for the United States’ Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal ties against Haiti this week before departing for Manchester. The U.S. head coaching role will then be officially vacant, with the next international camp not scheduled until December, giving the federation a window to conclude negotiations.

The reported pursuit of Guardiola signals an ambitious shift in U.S. Soccer’s approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the United States co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico. Bringing in a manager of his stature would represent an unprecedented move for any national federation and would instantly raise expectations for the host nation’s tournament campaign.