U.S. Men’s National Team Withdraws from World Cup
SEATTLE — The U.S. men’s national soccer team is officially exiting the World Cup. It remains uncertain if coach Mauricio Pochettino will continue in his role; he left the question open during a press conference on Monday night.
“If the federation wants to chat, we can start discussions in the next few weeks,” Pochettino mentioned following the team’s 4-1 loss to Belgium. “It’s really about taking some time to reflect, talk with the federation, and see what happens next. I’m quite happy. We have a good relationship. Now just isn’t the time to dive into that.”
Reports suggest that prior to the World Cup, U.S. Soccer had proposed a contract to Pochettino that would extend through the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino has expressed interest in returning to manage in the English Premier League, although whether he truly wants that is still up for debate.
His time in the U.S. allowed him to immerse himself in the culture, and he seemed to relish the experience of coaching at the World Cup. However, the whole four-year journey, including qualification, is considerably different from what he’s been used to. Even though Pochettino managed the team for just 18 months, the U.S. automatically qualified as hosts.
It’s clear that the idea of coaching a host nation was part of what drew him to this role.
Upcoming events, such as the 2028 Copa America likely being hosted in the U.S., might entice him back, particularly since many players he’s been linked with are expected to play significant roles in the 2030 World Cup, taking place mainly in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.
Additionally, many European clubs have already filled managerial openings, complicating Pochettino’s options. For example, AC Milan, a club reportedly interested in him, currently employs Ruben Amorim as their manager.
Pochettino, who resided mostly in Barcelona and London while coaching the U.S., will need to weigh whether relocating to the U.S. is something he desires. With a new facility recently opened in Fayetteville, Georgia, it’s possible the next U.S. national team manager could be situated outside of Atlanta.
