U.S. Soccer has announced it plans to resume conversations with head coach Mauricio Pochettino about his future with the program, following what the federation called a period of “rest and reflection” after the United States was knocked out of the World Cup with a stunning 4-1 loss to Belgium.
The 54-year-old Pochettino’s contract runs out at the end of the tournament, and questions about his future have taken center stage after the team’s disappointing exit — especially considering the U.S. had hoped to make a deep run while playing on home soil.
U.S. Soccer said the two sides had already been having “positive conversations” about the road ahead before the tournament began, and both agreed to take a break before picking those discussions back up.
“We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program,” the federation said in a statement released Tuesday.
The lopsided defeat at the hands of Belgium deflated the growing excitement surrounding the national team and is expected to put the program’s direction under a microscope as U.S. Soccer weighs whether Pochettino is the right coach to lead the team into its next chapter.
Pochettino, who was seen kicking water bottles on the sideline in frustration during the round-of-16 match in Seattle, has not made any public statements about his coaching future with the team.
Following the loss, Pochettino reflected on his nearly two years at the helm, saying there had been “good things and not so good things” along the way, but called the overall journey “amazing.”
The federation did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead.
“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,” U.S. Soccer said.
Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris St Germain, and Chelsea, was brought on board in September 2024 with the goal of transforming the United States into a genuine World Cup contender. The manner of the team’s early exit, however, means the federation will be facing some hard questions in the coming weeks.
