Mauricio Pochettino to Decide on His USMNT Future Next Week

Mauricio Pochettino has announced that he will make a final decision next week regarding his future as head coach of the United States Men’s National Team.

The Argentine manager is in talks with U.S. Soccer over a contract extension that would keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. His current agreement expires following the 2026 World Cup.

Asked about his future, Pochettino told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE on Thursday:

“We are evaluating it and considering everything. They have made me an offer to continue, and we will see. We will make a decision next week.”

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson has confirmed that the federation is holding active discussions to retain the 54-year-old manager through the 2030 World Cup.

U.S. Soccer officials continue to support Pochettino despite the team’s disappointing elimination following a 4–1 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.

Contract-extension talks began before the start of the tournament. Pochettino and Batson met for dinner in New York but agreed to postpone the final decision until the United States had completed its World Cup campaign.

Following the elimination, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager requested a period of rest and reflection before deciding on the next step in his career.

U.S. Soccer Wants Continuity

The federation wants Pochettino to build a long-term project involving not only the senior national team but also youth development and closer integration with the Olympic team.

Despite the heavy defeat to Belgium, Pochettino guided the United States to first place in Group D. He also became the first coach in 96 years to record consecutive World Cup group-stage victories with the USMNT.

Europe Continues to Attract Pochettino

In recent months, the Argentine has been linked with several prominent European clubs. Pochettino has never hidden his desire to return to the Premier League one day, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.

However, most of the major managerial positions at European clubs have already been filled for the upcoming season—a situation that could encourage him to accept U.S. Soccer’s offer.

Pochettino is the highest-paid coach in the history of U.S. Soccer, reportedly earning more than $6 million per season. It remains unclear how a new agreement through 2030 would be structured financially.

Only the final decision remains: continue with the United States through the 2030 World Cup or return to European club football?

The answer is expected next week.