Mauricio Pochettino to decide USMNT future after World Cup exit

United States men’s national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to announce whether he will remain in charge within the next week. The United States were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted on home soil, after a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. Despite the loss, U.S. Soccer has offered Pochettino a new contract that would keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.

Pochettino, who was hired in September 2024, said he is reviewing the offer and will make a decision after the tournament concludes. The federation’s CEO JT Batson expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, while former U.S. international Alexi Lalas argued that the coaching cycle has run its course and that a change may be needed.