Mauricio Pochettino Expresses Interest in Coaching USMNT After World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino mentioned on Monday that his role as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team could continue after this year’s World Cup.

“Who knows what will happen,” Pochettino told reporters as the USMNT got ready for a friendly match against Portugal at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “We don’t have a contract for the future, but if we are happy and the federation is happy, why not?”

“You can never say never. In football, anything can happen. I am very happy. It is a tough, significant challenge, bigger than we expected. However, we are a coaching staff that enjoys challenges.”

Pochettino signed a contract with the USMNT in the summer of 2024, which runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup. This expanded tournament will start on June 11 and conclude on July 19, with matches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The 54-year-old has been linked to head coaching positions at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, both of which recently replaced their coaches.

Throughout the past year, Pochettino has shown interest in returning to coaching in Europe, where he managed Southampton, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and notably, Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, a club he still feels connected to.

“I can’t help but feel a connection to Tottenham, its club, the staff, and the fans,” he said. “It was one of my best experiences. Of course, I wish to return, and I believe they will remain in the Premier League, with or without a coach.”

However, Pochettino confirmed that he has not spoken to either Tottenham or Real Madrid about a future role and will not do so until after the World Cup.

“Everyone knows I am committed to the national team here,” Pochettino stated. “It’s not the right time to discuss the future. No one has reached out yet. Who knows what the future holds?”

Tottenham, which dismissed coach Thomas Frank in February and parted ways with his successor, Igor Tudor, after just 44 days, is reportedly offering Italian Roberto De Zerbi a long-term contract that would place him among the highest-paid coaches in the Premier League, according to The Athletic.

Real Madrid’s new coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has successfully turned the team’s performance around, winning 17 out of 21 matches since taking over for the fired Xabi Alonso in mid-January.