US Soccer is reportedly considering potential replacements for Mauricio Pochettino, with former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate among the names discussed.
According to TEAMtalk, Southgate has come up in internal conversations following Pochettino's departure for Manchester United, confirmed on Friday, 13 November. However, he is not thought to be the federation's first choice.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly the preferred candidate, while Roberto Martínez and Eddie Howe have also been mentioned. Southgate, meanwhile, is believed to have little interest in taking the job.
Which candidates are being considered for the USMNT job?
Pep Guardiola is the preferred choice
TEAMtalk reports that Guardiola is US Soccer's top target. Convincing the Manchester City manager to take charge of the national team would be the federation's ideal outcome.
However, there is no indication that Guardiola is interested in taking the role, making his appointment a difficult prospect for US Soccer. Not everyone in American football is convinced he would be the right appointment.
Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard questioned the idea on his podcast, Unfiltered Soccer. As reported by Sports Illustrated, Howard argued that "Guardiola has only ever succeeded with Tier One players".
His co-host, Landon Donovan, also raised doubts about the potential appointment.
Martinez and Howe are also in the conversation
Former Belgium and Portugal manager Roberto Martínez is another name linked with the job. TEAMtalk reports that he is interested in the position, while his experience in both club and international football could work in his favour.
CBS Sports had also reported earlier in the week that Martinez's name had emerged during discussions about Pochettino's future following the World Cup.
Eddie Howe has also been mentioned. The former Newcastle United manager has plenty of experience at club level, although he has never managed a national team. His lack of international management experience could be a consideration as US Soccer looks for someone capable of preparing the team for major tournaments.
Southgate's name has come up, but he may not be interested
Southgate has also been mentioned in the discussions, but TEAMtalk reports that he would have little interest in taking the job at this stage.
He has been out of management since leaving England in 2024, bringing eight years in charge to an end. During that time, he led the Three Lions to consecutive European Championship finals.
Instead, the report suggests the Football Association would like to bring him back into its structure. One possibility could see him working alongside his friend Dan Ashworth, whom TEAMtalk describes as the FA's Chief Football Officer.
Such a role could offer Southgate a route back into English football without the day-to-day demands of managing a national team.
What happens after Mauricio Pochettino leaves the USMNT?
US Soccer and Manchester United confirmed on 13 November that Pochettino would leave the national team to become Manchester United's head coach.
Reports suggest Manchester United paid around $10 million to secure Pochettino's release from his US Soccer contract, which had been extended through the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino led the USMNT to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is expected to oversee two more Nations League matches against Haiti before taking charge at Old Trafford.
His Manchester United debut is reportedly scheduled for 22 November against Liverpool.
When will US Soccer appoint Pochettino's replacement?
US Soccer does not need to rush into appointing a permanent replacement. According to Six One Five Soccer, Under-23 head coach Steve Cherundolo will lead the team during its December camp.
That gives the federation more time to consider its options before the next round of matches in March 2027. US Soccer has several possible candidates to consider. The bigger challenge may be finding one who is actually willing to take charge.
