Gareth Southgate has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the United States men's national team, following the Three Lions' World Cup exit and mounting pressure on current boss Mauricio Pochettino. The former England manager, 55, has been out of work since leaving the national team after Euro 2024, but could now return to international management across the Atlantic.
Southgate's credentials for the USMNT role
Southgate led England for nearly eight years, guiding them to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final in 2022, and consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024. Although he failed to end England's 58-year trophy drought, he restored the team to the top tier of international football. ESPN senior editor Caitlin Murray highlighted Southgate's tournament pedigree, stating: "The USMNT needs a manager with a proven track record on the international level and in tournament soccer. On that basis, Southgate warrants a look."
Pochettino's uncertain future
Mauricio Pochettino's position is in jeopardy after the USA crashed out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. His contract expires this summer, and he has been linked with a Premier League comeback and the AC Milan job. Following the Belgium loss, Pochettino declined to discuss his future, saying: "Now is not a moment to talk about that. I think now is a moment to see, to assess the tournament."
Why Southgate fits the US setup
Murray argued that the international game differs from club football, noting that successful club coaches like Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann, and Ralf Rangnick have struggled in tournament settings. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, the US now has an easier qualification path, allowing focus on the 2030 World Cup. Southgate's experience in knockout tournaments makes him an ideal candidate to lead that project.
