US Soccer to hold post-World Cup talks with Pochettino over future

U.S. Soccer plans to resume discussions with Mauricio Pochettino about his future coaching role after a period of reflection following the team's World Cup exit. The U.S. squad was eliminated with a significant 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

“

We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program.

Pochettino's contract concludes after the tournament, and the disappointing end to the campaign has made his position a central question. The federation stated it had positive conversations with Pochettino before the event and agreed to continue talks afterward. "We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program," U.S. Soccer said.

“

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.

The team had harbored hopes of a deep run in the tournament on home soil, but the defeat to Belgium has intensified scrutiny on the program's direction. U.S. Soccer is assessing whether Pochettino is the right leader for the next cycle. The Argentine coach, who was visibly frustrated during the match, has not yet commented on his future.

“

good things and not so good things

Pochettino acknowledged that "good things and not so good things" marked his nearly two years coaching the team, describing the journey as "amazing." U.S. Soccer also recognized that substantial work remains. "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," the federation stated. Hired in September 2024, Pochettino was tasked with elevating the United States into a top contender, but the manner of their World Cup exit presents the federation with difficult decisions ahead.

“

amazing