Pochettino, who took over in 2024, called the decision "one of the most difficult" of his career during an emotional press conference. He said he had been excited about the project of revamping the U.S. team but that the Manchester United offer represented "the next step to try to make your dreams come true."

U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson praised Pochettino for elevating the men's program, which has long aspired to compete with traditional powers in Europe and South America. "The belief of what's possible for soccer in this country has never been higher," Batson said.

When Pochettino arrived, he had only about 18 months before the World Cup. He set out to dismantle what he viewed as a culture of complacency, evaluating more than 70 players and rebuilding the roster from the ground up. At the 2026 tournament, the U.S. finished first in its group and won its first knockout-round match since 2002. Pochettino's three World Cup wins are the most by any USMNT coach.

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter credited Pochettino with his personal growth. "He's meant so much to me. He's helped me develop as a player and as a person," Berhalter said. "As a player, that's all you can ask for, to have that trust and that belief in you."

Pochettino will coach the U.S. for two more matches against Haiti in the coming days before departing. Steve Cherundolo, the former USMNT player and ex-LAFC head coach, will serve as interim head coach while U.S. Soccer searches for a permanent replacement ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle.

"Our ambition is high, and we believe that this is one of the great coaching jobs in the world," Batson said.

As a player, Pochettino represented Argentina at the 2002 World Cup and played professionally in Spain and France. He previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.