Ranking the head coaching candidates linked with the USMNT job

Many coaches have been linked with the vacant USMNT job, but four candidates should be the frontrunners to lead the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 World Cup.

After winning just one match in the Copa America 2024 group stage, the U.S. Men's National Team exited the tournament in front of a disappointed home crowd. Following the rather embarrassing result, Gregg Berhalter, the team's head coach, was fired in June.

Three months later, the USMNT still does not have a new manager. Instead, the USA's U-20 coach, Mikey Varas, will likely be the man who leads the Stars and Stripes in their upcoming September friendlies as U.S. Soccer continues their search for a permanent solution. Plenty of names have been tossed out for the open job, but there are four clear favorites.

Here's 90min's rankings of the leading candidates to replace Gregg Berhalter.

Ranking the head coaching candidates linked with the USMNT job

4. Steve Cherundolo

LAFC fans know better than anyone what Steve Cherundolo is capable of with a new squad. Just two years ago, the American took over the Black & Gold and lead them to their first ever MLS Cup. In the following season, LAFC were back in the MLS Cup final, but could not go back-to-back.

He might be untested as an international manager, but he has proven he knows how to win, through either plenty of goalscoring or close defensive battles. The USA's counter-attack could thrive under Cherundolo, especially once they face off with nations capable of dominating possession.

3. Wilfried Nancy

If the USA decides to stick with tradition and name another MLS manager as the head coach of the USMNT, then Wilfried Nancy is the best man for the job. In his first season in charge, the 47-year-old led the Columbus Crew to their third MLS Cup, and is now looking to repeat his success in the 2024 season.

The USMNT is begging for someone at the helm who can institute an attack-minded play style, and under Nancy, the the Crew scored 67 regular season goals in the 2023 season (the most in the entire MLS). His name might not carry as much weight as the top two candidates on our list, but he would no doubt be a solid, exciting choice to lead the Stars and Stripes.

2. Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino might lack international coaching experience, but his years in three of Europe's top five leagues could translate nicely to the USMNT. The 52-year-old manager led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, and also saw PSG win Ligue 1 and the French Cup.

Of course, fans would rather Jurgen Klopp if U.S. Soccer is indeed going to hire a former Premier League coach, but the German made it clear he is taking a break from the sport. Pochettino, though, is more than a viable candidate, especially for a side that, realistically, does not have World Cup-winning expectations, but rather just needs to improve.

1. Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry makes perfect sense for the USMNT. Although the Frenchman only left the Paris 2024 Olympics with a silver medal, his work with the France U-23 side showed that he can lead young talent, and some of the most promising players on the United States' team are still in their early 20s, including Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna.

The Stars and Stripes are desperate for a coach with a winning mentality and brilliant feel for the game after so many years under Gregg Berhalter, and what better man than Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer?