Pochettino puts USMNT future on next week’s clock
Mauricio Pochettino says he will decide next week whether to stay with the USMNT after U.S. Soccer offered him a new deal.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Mauricio Pochettino has put a date on the USMNT waiting game: next week.
The Argentina-born coach told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope on Thursday that he is weighing an offer from U.S. Soccer to remain in charge of the United States men’s national team. ESPN reported that talks are centered on an extension that would run through the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino said U.S. Soccer has made him an offer to continue and that a decision will come next week. His existing contract runs through the end of the current tournament, according to ESPN.
The timing is delicate. The United States, a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, is already out after a disappointing round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. ESPN reported that U.S. Soccer still wants the 54-year-old to stay despite that exit.
The tournament was not all gloom for the USMNT. ESPN noted that the team had produced strong displays in the group stage and beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32 before the Belgium defeat ended the run.
European clubs had been circling
Pochettino took over the USMNT in September 2024 after a club career that included spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. ESPN reported earlier this year that several European clubs had viewed him as a target.
His next move now sits with him and U.S. Soccer. An extension through 2030 would keep him in place for another World Cup cycle after a home tournament that brought bright moments, a bruising exit and plenty of debate about what comes next.
While his own future is still undecided, Pochettino has also been watching the final act of the World Cup closely. The title match pits Spain against Argentina, his home country, and he told Cadena Cope he sees it as a meeting worthy of the stage.
Pochettino said both teams have earned their place in the final, with Argentina carrying the confidence of recent Copa America and World Cup triumphs and Spain arriving as European champion. He said he does not see a favorite.
Messi remains the problem Spain must solve
Lionel Messi, 39, remains central to Argentina’s charge. ESPN reported that the veteran forward assisted both Argentina goals in a 2-1 semifinal win over England on Wednesday.
Pochettino told Cadena Cope that Spain’s task will be to keep the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as far from goal as possible. He said Spain will likely try to press Argentina and stop the team from connecting with Messi, rather than rely on man-marking.
He also praised Argentina’s patience and control in matches, while describing Spain as well organized. His view: Messi still carries the presence and respect that can tilt a game, even as he nears 40.
For U.S. Soccer, the Messi problem belongs to Spain this weekend. The Pochettino problem lands next week, when the USMNT will learn whether its high-profile coach is staying for the long road to 2030.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.