The USMNT is going through a difficult moment. On Friday the 13th, Mauricio Pochettino officially confirmed what had been rumored over the past few days: he will leave his position as head coach of the United States men’s national team next week to take over at Manchester United.
The Argentine’s departure comes just over three months after he renewed his contract with U.S. Soccer, a deal that was supposed to keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup. Manchester United will reportedly pay the federation around $10 million to activate his release clause.
One Last Dance… or Two
Pochettino will remain in charge for both legs of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti, with the first meeting scheduled for this Saturday and the return leg on Tuesday.
The Stars and Stripes will look to take a so-called advantage on the “road” at Miami’s New Stadium against a dangerous Haiti side that qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 52-year absence. Due to political instability and violence, Haiti has been unable to play matches in Port-au-Prince for years.
The Caribbean nation lost all three of its matches at the tournament, but its performances in the Nations League qualifiers showed why its World Cup return was no fluke. Haiti defeated teams such as Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic, proving that the small Caribbean nation is no longer an easy opponent but rather one of the most uncomfortable matchups in Concacaf.
The second leg will take place at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Once that match is over, Pochettino will travel to England to begin his new chapter at Manchester United, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford.
Pochettino’s USMNT Impact
Pochettino took over the USMNT in September 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter, and led the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The Americans finished top of their group and secured their first knockout-stage victory since 2002.
His overall record with the national team stands at 21 wins, 12 losses, and two draws in 35 matches. He also became the winningest U.S. coach in World Cup history, recording three victories during the tournament.
“It’s the most difficult decision of my career, but we need to move forward,” Pochettino said Friday, fighting back tears as he addressed his departure. The Argentine acknowledged that opportunities like Manchester United do not come around often, making the decision particularly difficult to turn down.
What’s Next
Steve Cherundolo, who has been coaching the U.S. under-23 team, will take charge of the previously scheduled December camp, which will feature a primarily MLS-based roster. U.S. Soccer has yet to announce a permanent replacement, with women’s national team coach Emma Hayes expected to be involved in the search alongside federation leadership.
Pochettino’s move marks a return to the Premier League, where he previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. Now, he faces the challenge of rebuilding a Manchester United side currently sitting in the relegation zone.
For now, however, his focus remains on finishing his USMNT tenure with two important matches against Haiti.
USMNT Predicted Lineup
Schwake;
Freeman, Richards, Trusty, Robinson;
Berhalter, Adams;
Sullivan, Tillman, Pulisic;
Balogun.
Haiti Predicted Lineup
Pierre;
Arcus, Duverne, Delcroix, Experience;
Jacques, Sainte;
Deedson, Picault, Providence;
Isidor.
Match details
Date: Saturday, November 14
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT
English broadcast: TBS, TruTV, HBO Max
Spanish broadcast: Universo, Peacock
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Alejandro Orellana is an accomplished sports journalist based in Mexico City, known for his incisive coverage of Club América and the Mexican National Team. A graduate of Journalism from Escuela de Periodismo Carlos Septien García, Alejandro brings a deep understanding of sports media to his work. His expertise extends to SEO and content creation, allowing him to produce engaging and discoverable sports narratives. He has contributed as a freelance writer for Goal.com, where he notably conducted interviews with MLS players, further showcasing his comprehensive interviewing skills. Prior to this, Alejandro dedicated five years to ESPN’s production department, contributing to renowned shows including SportsCenter, Futbol Picante, and NFL Live. His insightful articles can be found on platforms such as Deportrece and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with Alejandro on @soyalexorellana and Tik Tok to stay updated with his latest work. His commitment to journalistic integrity ensures every piece offers valuable and trustworthy insights for sports enthusiasts.
