Mauricio Pochettino. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Report: Mauricio Pochettino set to finally sign with USMNT as first post-Berhalter matches approach

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 3, 2024 6:12 PM ET

Reports dropped on Aug. 14 that U.S. Soccer was nearing a deal for former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino to become the new USMNT coach. But since then, no official announcement has come.

In fact, Pochettino's former club was reportedly holding up the official transaction due to negotiations over terminating his contract.

However, insider Fabrizio Romano indicated on X Tuesday that the two sides could finally put pen to paper as early as this week.

Mauricio Pochettino, prepared to sign this week as new USMNT head coach.

After verbal agreement weeks ago, all legal topics are being resolved and the contracts are almost ready.

If all goes to plan, formal steps could follow this week for Poch. pic.twitter.com/XZlqYVeVeh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2024

Despite the public speculation and obvious behind-the-scenes maneuvering to try and get the Pochettino deal across the line, some USMNT players are completely in the dark as the first international break without former head coach Gregg Berhalter is set to begin.

Tim Ream, on what USMNT players have been told about the coaching situation: "We were updated a few weeks ago, that the search was moving in a positive direction. At this point, that's where everybody is at. ... We have not been told anything is final, up to this point."
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) September 3, 2024

Berhalter was fired in July after an abysmal Copa America performance that saw the team eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 2007.

USMNT fans hope Pochettino's tenure will bring new levels of success ahead of the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted on North American soil for the first time since 1994.

In the meantime, the team is set to be led by interim coach Mikey Varas as it enters a two-match period of friendlies against Canada (Sept. 7) and New Zealand (Sept. 10).

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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