The United States men's national team may have an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to coach the team but that doesn't mean that the Argentine will be taking over for the September international window. According to ESPN, that window will be led by former U-20 head coach Mikey Varas in matches where they will face Canada and New Zealand with both matches taking place in the United States.
After winning the U-20 Concacaf Championship, Varas led the team to a quarterfinal exit in the 2023 U-20 World Cup. During Copa America, Varas was elevated to Berhalter's staff as an assistant before now reportedly getting to lead the senior side for an international window.
Pochettino will still need time to not only officially sign his contract but also to get to know the U.S. Soccer Federation and his squad. It's quite a role that Pochettino will be stepping into ahead of the 2026 World Cup that will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the USMNT not playing a competitive match until the return of Concacaf Nations League in November, there's no reason for Pochettino to rush into the role for this current window when he can get things settled instead.
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There's a plan in place for the Argentine and time for him to execute it. Expectations are high but he can reach them while overseeing this squad.
The United States women's national team had to wait several months for Emma Hayes to officially coach the team as she finished her season with Chelsea, so the U.S. Soccer Federation will be familiar with granting time to comfortably transition into the role.
