USMNT was lingering in gloominess until now. Departing from Copa America in the group stage at home, the hopes of a turnaround for the men’s game in the country started to come down. However, with reports of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino agreeing to help the USA out for the 2026 World Cup, is it going to happen? The countdown to the big event in North America is less than 650 days. But, as they enter into the September international friendlies without a permanent manager, a crucial update regarding the former Chelsea coach has struck.

According to Azteca Deportes journalist Jose Alvaro Tejano, tomorrow will be the day Pochettino and his crew meet US Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker. The journalist further suggested that as per the sources from the US Soccer Federation, all the paperwork would be completed by tomorrow, with the manager ready to sign the documents.

However, details regarding the announcement look uncertain as it could be tomorrow or even after a few days. This is because of the 2 international matches USMNT will play next week.

Meanwhile, under 23 coach Miker Varas takes care of the team until Mauricio Pochettino arrives. The agreement between US Soccer and the Argentine was reached earlier last month, but he could not sign any deal because of monetary discussions with Chelsea. If Pochettino joined a big Premier League club, he would have owed Chelsea $6.4 million. But, with the premature mutual termination of Pochettino’s contract being sporting reasons, the ball was in the Argentine’s court.

A few reports suggested that this may have made him eligible for $13 million compensation from the club. He would have owed them, but later news revealed that the arrangements were being made to facilitate their party sponsorships for the former boss, who will enter a national team role with a relatively lower salary. However, the time has now arrived for USMNT to break the shackles.

Will Mauricio Pochettino take over USMNT during the friendlies?

Pundits expressed a lot of distress for the time that’s running out for the World Cup. With very few games to play before the 2026 World Cup for the USMNT and most of them being friendlies, even the upcoming window in September is also crucial. But even though Mauricio Pochettino is expected to sign his contract tomorrow, intrigue around him, coaching them for at least one game persists.

In addition, earlier talks suggested that the 52-year-old and his staff could be present with the team in their first clash against Canada. Nonetheless, the job is expected to belong to Varas who already has taken control of the squad.

On the other hand, the complexities regarding the contract still remain a mystery. While he is expected to stay until the 2026 event, the public is unaware of what Pochettino’s salary could be. Intricacy regarding equal pay was one factor most touched upon with the USWNT coach paid $2 million per year. But, whether the Ligue Un winning coach would settle for such a deal remains to be seen.

Regardless of what happens financially, the Yanks will be happy to see a reputed boss taking over. While facing familiar opponents Canada and the Pacific team New Zealand, Pochettino will closely monitor Gio Reyna and Matt Turner. With a new start, can the USMNT see a transformation under the highly-rated coach? Give us your take below in the comments.