Having started his managerial career with one of his former clubs, Espanyol, Mauricio Pochettino has gone on to coach some of the biggest clubs in football, enjoying stints with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Chelsea.
After parting ways with the Blues in May 2024, Pochettino decided to try his hand at managing a national team, signing a two-year deal with the United States men’s national team. The contract reportedly paid him $6 million annually, making him highest paid coach in USMNT history.
Though his time at the helm could be described as slightly turbulent, Pochettino impressed when it mattered most, masterminding a fine showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Despite entering the tournament under relentless pressure from the fans and media, Team USA played well, topping Group D before winning their first knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pochettino’s troops also became the highest-scoring USMNT team in World Cup history, scoring 11 goals over five games to shatter the previous record of 7.
They ultimately bowed out after being outclassed by Belgium in the Round of 16, but there were plenty of positives to take from their performance over the summer. As their dream run at the World Cup came to an end, so did Mauricio Pochettino’s contract.
Fans and media who often expressed their doubt about Pochettino’s ability to lead the American team forward are now firmly on his side thanks to the spirited performances of the summer, but now, it remains undecided if the Argentine coach wishes to continue his current stint.
The United States Soccer Federation has reportedly already offered four-year contract renewal, which will keep him at the helm through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Sources also claim talks about a potential extension have gone well, but Pochettino has opted to defer his decision.
In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Cope on Saturday, July 18, Pochettino said he will be confirming his decision in the coming week.
“We are evaluating it, looking at it,” he told Cadena Cope. “[U.S. Soccer] has made me an offer to continue, and we will see. Next week we will make a decision.”
Fast forward to Sunday, July 26, and there is still no clarity on the situation.
While fans continue waiting patiently for Pochettino to reveal his plans for the future, the Argentine manager is taking his sweet time.
So Poch lied about deciding this week? Lol
— USMNT News (@USMNTNews2) July 25, 2026
Over the course of the week, he has shared several social media updates, but none of theme contained any information about the one thing supporters are desperate to know about.
On Friday, his Instagram story revealed he was busy watching football in Andorra alongside a friend.
“A morning of soccer with my friend Francisco @borda_xixerella 🇦🇩,” Pochettino captioned his story in Spanish.
Pochettino said he’d make the decision to stay or leave the USMNT 🇺🇸 this week.
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) July 24, 2026
*nothing so far*
Pochettino on Friday: pic.twitter.com/3h9x5K3FEW
In some of his other social media updates, he has been sharing philosophical beliefs.
Others still, meanwhile, make it seem like he is almost intentionally trying to build up suspense before the eventual announcement about his future plans is made.
Many industry insiders are of the opinion that he may be tempted by a return to club football, and is hence perhaps buying himself some time hoping for an offer from a top European club.
Even though it can be seen as a conflict of interest, Mauricio Pochettino’s potential interest to coach in club football again does not seem to be major issue for his employers.
In an interview with The Athletic which took place in late May, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said Pochettino and his team had been fully transparent about their ambitions in the past.
“Mauricio and the entire team has been incredibly transparent the entire process,” Batson said. “Even when we first met a couple summers ago, there were lots of other people interested in having Mauricio and [his staff] join. He had standing offers from other places to come, and he wanted to be here. He’s a big believer in what we’re doing at U.S. Soccer, he’s a big believer in soccer in America and he’s a big believer in this men’s team.
“When you have top-class talent, whether it’s salespeople, whether it’s marketing people, or whether it’s coaches, other organizations want them. Throughout this, Mauricio and team have been incredibly transparent, they’ve been great partners, and we’re, of course, excited about the summer.”
Source – X
At one point in the past, Pochettino was heavily linked to the AC Milan job, and even reportedly attended meetings with the Italian giants. However, that opportunity is now gone, as former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim went on to fill that vacancy.
Though that may be a missed opportunity for Pochettino personally, it could turn out to be great news for US soccer fans, as he may ultimately end up staying in his current role if no other prominent European teams need a manager anytime soon.
