Guardiola Close to US National Team: American Federation Prepares Plan B If Pochettino Leaves

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has included Josep Guardiola among the candidates for the head coach position of the US national team. According to sources familiar with the internal recruitment process, the Spanish specialist is being considered at several stages of selection. A key trigger for activating negotiations with Guardiola could be the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, who is reportedly Manchester United's primary candidate to replace Michael Carrick in the event of a change in management at the English club.

Context: Why Now

The situation surrounding the US national team coaching staff is unfolding under strict time constraints. As of November 11, 2026, Pochettino continued to lead training sessions and is expected to remain in charge during the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti. Following these matches, the federation will have approximately four months to search for a new manager and conduct negotiations with potential candidates. In December, the team plans to hold a training camp primarily featuring domestic league players outside the official international window, with the next official matches scheduled only for March. Thus, should the Argentine depart, Guardiola would have sufficient time to decide on a potential return to coaching.

History of Relations with American Soccer

The American federation's interest in Guardiola is not spontaneous. Former USSF President Sunil Gulati maintains good relations with the Spaniard and first approached him many years ago about considering the national team job. Guardiola himself has personal experience living in the USA: after leaving Barcelona in 2012, he spent a year in New York living with his family during a coaching sabbatical. In 2024, commenting on Pochettino's appointment as US national team head coach, the Spaniard publicly called the country "an interesting opportunity to build a long-term project," highlighting the potential of American soccer thanks to its population size and sports infrastructure.

Negotiation Complexities and Guardiola's Current Status

Despite long-standing contacts with the USSF and positive public statements, negotiations with Guardiola are unlikely to be straightforward. Recently, the Spaniard has not shown much desire to quickly return to active coaching. At the same time, he remains one of the most authoritative figures in world football, making his candidacy both attractive and difficult to execute. According to available information, Guardiola's representatives have already had contacts with the US federation, although no formal agreements have been recorded so far.

The Manchester United Factor and Parallel Lines

The central hub of the entire story remains the situation around Manchester United. The Argentine manager of the US national team is viewed as the priority candidate to replace Michael Carrick if the English club decides to change its head coach. This exact scenario could release Pochettino from his obligations to the USSF and open a window for negotiations with Guardiola. In parallel, it is worth noting that Guardiola recently found himself at the center of another high-profile event: following an independent commission's ruling finding Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, he made a public statement supporting the club, declaring, "We will get through this together." This episode emphasizes that despite his coaching hiatus, Guardiola maintains close ties with English football and its key figures.

What's Next

In the coming days, the attention of American and global sports media will be fixed on two events: the outcome of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals and the dynamics of negotiations between Pochettino and Manchester United. If the Argentine indeed moves to Manchester, the USSF will have about four months to close the question of a new head coach. Guardiola, judging by available data, remains among the top candidates, though the final decision depends on numerous factors—from the coach's personal preferences to the federation's readiness to offer terms matching his status. Currently, neither side has confirmed or denied the existence of formal talks.