USMNT Confirms Ongoing Talks to Retain Mauricio Pochettino After World Cup Exit

Now that the United States has been eliminated from the World Cup following a 4‑1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, the focus has shifted to the future of the national team’s coaching staff. Mauricio Pochettino’s contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, but his exit from this tournament has opened discussions about whether he will return for another cycle.

After the defeat, Pochettino declined to comment on his future, indicating he would be willing to discuss options with U.S. Soccer in the coming weeks. “Now is not a moment to talk about that,” he said. “I think now is a moment to see, to assess the tournament. You know, I’m sure in the next weeks we can start to talk if [U.S. Soccer] wants to talk.”

U.S. Soccer has now released a statement confirming that it intends to continue those conversations. “We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” the federation said. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff, and everyone part of the program. We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”

While Pochettino was linked to a Serie A move before the tournament, AC Milan have since appointed Ruben Amorim. Pochettino remains a highly regarded manager internationally and could attract interest elsewhere, yet he also maintains a solid role with the USMNT.

The U.S. Soccer program recently inaugurated a new training facility in Georgia, providing Pochettino with additional resources to develop young talent. His visible enjoyment of life in America—evidenced by moments like singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and wearing a cowboy hat—suggests he is embracing his duties. Although he was initially expected to serve only one cycle, reaching the round of 16 has fueled speculation that he may stay on to pursue further success, aiming for the 2030 World Cup.

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