Mauricio Pochettino emerges as shock 'top target' to become USMNT head coach

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the USMNT's top target in its search for a new head coach.

The USSF fired Gregg Berhalter after a disappointing Copa America campaign, becoming the first host nation in the tournament's history to be eliminated in the group stage.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss is under consideration alongside other candidates, but according to The Athletic Pochettino is now considered be the favorite to take over.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker overlapped with Pochettino during their time at Southampton when the former was leading the team's academy and the latter was managing the senior team.

USSF is targeting big names in the managerial market after previously reaching out to Jurgen Klopp. The former Liverpool manager turned down the approach swiftly putting an end to what always felt like a pipe dream.

Former New York City FC, Crystal Palace and RC Strasbourg manager and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is also a target, but one that fans are overall skeptical on. Other names include LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo, but Pochettino fits the bill of a high profile coach with Klopp out of the picture.

Why USMNT wants Pochettino as head coach

The Argentine rose to prominence during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. His 159-62-72 record over five years included runner-up finishes in the Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League. He was fired after five years and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

He then joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 winning Ligue 1 in the 2021/22 season before returning to England to manage Chelsea. Another runner-up medal in the Carabao Cup and a sixth-place finish saw Chelsea make a change bringing in former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca.

Pochettino would bring an exciting high-pressing style of play with him to the USMNT if he were to take over. He is also well known for his ability to get the best out of players - something that is very much needed for the USMNT's 'golden generation' ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.