Why Is Mauricio Pochettino Still Coaching USMNT Against Haiti Despite His Resignation?

Soccer fans across the United States were caught off guard to learn that Mauricio Pochettino will continue to manage the United States during the international break despite taking over Manchester United after Michael Carrick was sacked.

Even though his exit from US Soccer is confirmed, the Argentine tactician remains on the sidelines preparing the American squad for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti.

For supporters wondering, “Is Mauricio Pochettino still coaching USMNT for this international window?”, the short answer is yes. The outgoing Mauricio Pochettino manager era will officially conclude only after the two-legged tie against Haiti wraps up on Saturday and Tuesday.

A Short Turnaround and Lack of Immediate Replacements

The potential reason Pochettino is staying with the United States men's national football team through the November camp comes down to availability and timing. With the first leg against Haiti kicking off on Saturday, US Soccer simply did not have enough time to hire and onboard a new head coach.

When a high-profile coach leaves, his entire backroom staff typically departs with him. Since Pochettino's trusted assistants are also expected to follow him to England, US Soccer had no obvious interim coach on the senior staff ready to step in at the last minute.

Other youth national team coaches, such as U-23 boss Steve Cherundolo, were already away on international duty with their own squads, making an immediate handover nearly impossible.

While the Mauricio Pochettino manager chapter in American soccer is ending much sooner than expected, just months after he signed a contract extension through 2030, he is determined to leave the programme on a high note.

The Schedule Works in Everyone's Favour

Both US Soccer and Manchester United found a practical middle ground that suits their schedules. Because of the ongoing international break, the English Premier League is currently paused.

Manchester United does not play its next match until November 22 against Liverpool, giving Pochettino plenty of time to finish his duties with the United States before flying to England. Check how Manchester United will look under Pochettino.

Meanwhile, the USMNT will get some time before the next international break to decide on the new head coach. Allowing Pochettino to finish this two-game series ensures stability for the American players during crucial matches that determine qualification for the Nations League finals and the 2027 Gold Cup.

Once the final whistle blows on Tuesday, US Soccer will have nearly four months to conduct a proper search for a permanent replacement.

If you are still asking, is Mauricio Pochettino still coaching USMNT with full focus despite his impending move? Media reports from inside the training camp suggest it is business as usual.

Players have stated that the squad is preparing for the Haiti national football team just as they would for any other major tournament clash, keeping distractions to a minimum.