United States Soccer shares Mauricio Pochettino update after World Cup loss to Belgium

The future of United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is up in the air after the United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in Monday’s round-of-16 FIFA World Cup matchup. 

Pochettino is set to be out of contract once the World Cup wraps up. On Tuesday, the United States Soccer Federation offered an update on Pochettino’s status. 

Soccer United States Soccer still wants Mauricio Pochettino in charge?

“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” United States Soccer said, per Chuck Booth of CBS Sports. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff, and everyone part of the program. 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.”

Pochettino accepted the United States job in September 2024, and he became a favorite among supporters after he guided the host country to a top-of-the-group finish in the World Cup and to a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the tournament’s round of 32. However, the Americans mostly looked outmatched against Belgium on Monday night, and Richard Jolly of The Independent is among those who have mentioned that it’s believed Pochettino’s “long-term plan was always to return to the European club game.” 

Pochettino’s previous stops include Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. While Booth noted that many other top club jobs around the world have already been filled during the European offseason, Pochettino theoretically could take some time off before getting back into management. 

Soccer What Mauricio Pochettino previously said about career goals

During a chat with BBC Sport in November 2025, Pochettino acknowledged that he was “missing” the Premier League, which he referred to as “the best league in the world.” 

“Of course I am missing it,” Pochettino said about the Premier League at that time. “I am so happy in America, but also thinking one day to come back to the Premier League. It’s the most competitive league.”

Perhaps he will make such a return in 2027.