A key day for the USMNT as Pochettino edges closer

As the U.S. National Team, led by Mikey Varas, continues preparations in Kansas City for the upcoming match against Canada (Saturday, September 7 at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT), U.S. Soccer officials, including Matt Crocker, are focused on finalising getting a new head coach and coaching staff through the door for the USMNT.

Although no official announcement has been made, it was revealed a few weeks ago that Mauricio Pochettino will lead the USA to the 2026 World Cup. The announcement of the Argentine as the new USMNT head coach is reportedly imminent.

When will Pochettino be announced by the USMNT?

Reports suggest that this Friday could be the decisive day for finalizing the deal. According to Telemundo journalist Andrés Cantor and the World Soccer Talk website, Friday might be the day U.S. Soccer and Pochettino close the agreement, officially making the former Chelsea manager the new coach of the Stars and Stripes.

Cantor revealed that part of the U.S. Soccer delegation traveled to Barcelona to meet with Pochettino in person and finalize the contract. It’s expected that the announcement will be accompanied by a presentation video, which will be recorded in Barcelona on Friday.

USMNT’s Plan with Mauricio Pochettino

While U.S. Soccer and the USMNT have yet to officially confirm Pochettino’s arrival, they are working on a plan for him to meet some of the players and prepare for his debut.

Although Pochettino will not be present for the match against Canada, he is expected to attend the game in Cincinnati on September 10 against New Zealand, where he will meet with the current interim coaching staff and players, though only in an observational role.

Following the conclusion of this FIFA window, Pochettino’s tenure as USMNT head coach will officially begin, with his debut set for the October friendlies against Panama in Austin and Mexico at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara.