USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is leaving for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino quits USMNT for Manchester United Mauricio Pochettino is out as head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team. Pochettino led the U.S. to the round of 16 at last year's World Cup. He's departing to coach Manchester United.

Mauricio Pochettino took over as coach of the U.S. men's national team in 2024 and led the USMNT to a Round of 16 finish in the 2026 World Cup. Last August, Pochettino signed an extension to lead the team through the 2030 World Cup. He's departing to coach Manchester United.

Mauricio Pochettino, who took over an ailing U.S. men's national soccer team in 2024 and led the squad to a Round of 16 finish in the 2026 FIFA World Cup , is departing to take over as coach of the famed English Premier League club Manchester United.

How coach Mauricio Pochettino made believers out of the U.S. World Cup team

Pochettino was the highest-profile manager the U.S. men's team had ever hired. His aggressive attacking style of play won praise from his players and fans alike. At the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT finished first in its group and won its first knockout-round game since 2002. Pochettino's three wins were the most at any World Cup by a USMNT coach.

In a press conference Friday, an emotional Pochettino described the move as "one of the most difficult decisions" of his career. He had been "excited" about the project of revamping the U.S. men's national team, he said, but ultimately the offer from Manchester United represented "the next step to try to make your dreams come true."

Copyright for this text belongs to NPR.