Pep Guardiola Emerges as Top Contender for USA Football Team Coach Role

Pep Guardiola is emerging as a leading candidate to coach the USA football team, following Mauricio Pochettino's expected move to Manchester United. As Pochettino prepares for a crucial match against Haiti, discussions about his future intensify. Guardiola, with a storied history of success at Manchester City, has shown interest in the role, viewing it as an exciting opportunity to develop the national team. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over Michael Carrick's position at United, as the club's management evaluates their poor start to the season. This article delves into the potential coaching changes and their implications for both teams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 12:52 IST

Guardiola Considered for USA Coaching Position

Manchester [UK], November 12: Pep Guardiola, the former manager of Manchester City, is reportedly a leading candidate to take over as head coach of the USA football team. This comes as Mauricio Pochettino is likely to leave his current role with the USA to join Manchester United, according to a report from a prominent sports news outlet.

Currently, Pochettino is preparing the USA team for their upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, but he is expected to transition to the Premier League club after the match. Manchester United has made significant progress towards securing Pochettino's services, having reached a verbal agreement recently.

The same report indicates that Guardiola is a favored choice for the USA team as they seek a new coach following Pochettino's anticipated departure. During his tenure at Manchester City, Guardiola achieved remarkable success, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, culminating in a treble-winning season in 2022-23. His previous coaching stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich also brought him considerable accolades.

Guardiola has expressed interest in the prospect of coaching the USA, having spent some time in New York after leaving FC Barcelona in 2012. He was reportedly approached for the position in 2024 before Pochettino was appointed and has previously extended his best wishes to the USA team.

He stated, "I wish him and the USA – I have friends there – the best of luck. I know he’s a top-class manager." Guardiola has also mentioned the exciting opportunity to develop a long-term project with the USA national team, highlighting the country's potential in sports.

To secure Pochettino's release from his contract with the USA, Manchester United may need to pay around GBP 7 million, but financial concerns are not expected to hinder the club's plans.

In other news, Michael Carrick reported to Manchester United's Carrington training facility amid growing uncertainty regarding his future. The club's senior management is set to discuss Carrick's position during a meeting in Monaco.

CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox will meet with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to evaluate the club's performance this season before making a final decision. With United currently in the relegation zone and experiencing their worst league start in four decades, Carrick's role has come under intense scrutiny.