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U.S. Soccer has reportedly identified Pep Guardiola as its "top target" to succeed current U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is widely expected to take over at Manchester United.
The future of U.S. Soccer had appeared settled just a few months back. Pochettino, who had guided the Stars and Stripes to a round of 16 appearance at the 2026 World Cup, signed a four-year contract extension with the USMNT in August. Everything seemed aligned for the Argentine to steer the Americans through to the 2030 World Cup.
However, United have now come calling as they search for a replacement for Michael Carrick, who has guided the Red Devils to just three victories across all competitions this season. The 20-time English champions are reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Pochettino, leaving the USMNT scrambling to identify a contingency plan.
The federation's direction is gradually becoming clearer, however. The Athletic reports that U.S. Soccer is seeking to "lure" Guardiola into international management. The former Manchester City boss has been "discussed internally" and is considered the prime candidate to fill Pochettino's shoes.
Guardiola's Previous Ties to U.S. Soccer
This is not the first time Guardiola has topped U.S. Soccer's managerial wish list. The federation had shown interest in the Spanish tactician following the 2022 World Cup, but Guardiola was occupied collecting silverware after silverware with City.
When he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, he dedicated himself entirely to transforming City into the Premier League's dominant force — a status they maintained for six of his 10 seasons at the helm. Guardiola also guided the club to its first-ever Champions League triumph, along with three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups before departing at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.
Speculation about Guardiola's City exit had been circulating even before last summer, prompting U.S. Soccer to once again pursue him as Gregg Berhalter's long-term replacement following the 2024 Copa América. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was also considered, but Pochettino was ultimately handed the reins of the USMNT's "golden generation."
Now, U.S. Soccer appears to be chasing Guardiola once more. The 55-year-old, who also achieved success with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is among the rare managerial figures who would represent a genuine upgrade on Pochettino.
But expressing interest in Guardiola and actually securing his services are two entirely different challenges.
The Difficulties of Hiring Guardiola
Tempting Guardiola with the USMNT project may not be as daunting as one might think.
When Pochettino was appointed to lead the team, Guardiola had this to say: "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. The potential with the USA is there for the amount of people and sports and so on."
Furthermore, Guardiola previously spent a year living in New York City after departing Barcelona in 2012. He already has deeper connections to the country than Pochettino did when he accepted the role.
However, Guardiola's personal long-term priorities could complicate matters. After all, he stepped away from City to focus on his health and dedicate more time to his family — both of which were key factors in his decision to decline Italy's approach back in July.
It's difficult to envision Guardiola's outlook shifting dramatically just a few months on. "Mentally, I don't miss anything," he said in an interview with the OKX platform in July. "I started coaching when I was 37, and my whole life revolved around football. Now I want to discover life and find happiness in things that have nothing to do with soccer."
Even if he does opt to return to the dugout, there would be a very, very long queue of clubs eager to secure his services. U.S. Soccer would need to persuade Guardiola not only to cut short his sabbatical, but also to make the leap into international football management.
Anything remains possible with the right proposition, though. Klopp echoed similar sentiments after leaving Liverpool and even rebuffed Real Madrid's advances before Germany ultimately coaxed him back to the touchline.
Ultimately, the USMNT has four months to make their case to Guardiola. Pochettino is reportedly set to remain with the squad through the November camp and the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, with the team's next competitive matches not scheduled until March.