US Soccer confirms contract talks with Mauricio Pochettino following World Cup exit
The U.S. Men’s National Team is seeking to retain head coach Mauricio Pochettino after confirming that both parties are engaged in discussions regarding his future.
On Monday, the United States faced Belgium, hoping to make history and secure a quarterfinal spot for just the second time ever – and equal their best-ever performance at a World Cup. However, the Round of 16 game quickly turned into a one-sided affair as Belgium dismantled the USMNT, winning 4-1 in Seattle.
Despite the crushing defeat, it appears Pochettino could remain in his role. The U.S. Soccer statement read, via The Mirror US: “We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future. We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post-World Cup.
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“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’s contract runs out following the World Cup, meaning he is due to part ways with the USMNT after their elimination. Nevertheless, the 54-year-old has reportedly been offered a four-year extension that would keep him in charge through to the 2030 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
While Pochettino is believed to be tempted by a return to European club soccer and specifically the Premier League, he could remain open to continuing with the USMNT. However, early indications suggest he is set to move on, particularly given his reported talks with Milan prior to the Italian giants appointing Ruben Amorim.
Even with Folarin Balogun in the lineup following the controversial suspension of his one-game ban for his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina after President Donald Trump intervened, the USMNT were thoroughly outclassed. Charles De Ketelaere netted twice either side of Malik Tillman’s equalizer, before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku sealed the job and completed a 4-1 rout.
The inclusion of Balogun, who spoke to Belgium coach Rudi Garcia after the game, in the team was the story that dominated the headlines. Trump stepped in to ensure the forward, who scored three goals at the World Cup, could feature against Belgium despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and subsequently being handed a one-game ban.
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The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed the ruling and determined the punishment had been incorrectly applied, sensationally choosing to overturn it. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, yet the entire episode cast a shadow over the match — and may well have impacted the USMNT’s display on the night.
However, when asked if the backlash to the decision had affected his team, Pochettino told the BBC: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day.
“But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages? It’s a rule for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it’s not a problem.
“I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way.”
