U.S. Soccer Eyes Pep Guardiola to Replace Mauricio Pochettino
U.S. Soccer has identified Pep Guardiola as its primary target to replace Mauricio Pochettino should the current head coach depart for Manchester United, according to reports published by The Athletic on November 11, 2026. The potential appointment hinges entirely on whether Manchester United finalizes its pursuit of Pochettino, leaving the former Manchester City manager as the federation’s preferred choice for the role.
U.S. Soccer Weighs High-Profile Contingency Plan
The managerial contingency plan marks a strategic shift for the federation as it evaluates potential leadership changes ahead of upcoming international cycles. Guardiola concluded a trophy-laden decade at Manchester City following the 2025/26 campaign and has previously turned down approaches from other international setups, including a concrete proposal from the Italian football federation earlier in the year.
Manchester United
clubThe domestic and international football landscapes remain fluid as national federations navigate structural adjustments and potential coaching vacancies.
“The USA is fascinating to try to build a project for many years and being able to get the national team to the next step,” Guardiola stated in a 2024 press conference addressing the structure of American soccer. “The potential with the USA is there for the amount of people and sports and so on.”
Reporting by The Athletic originally outlined the federation’s internal discussions regarding the managerial contingency plan on November 11, 2026.
