Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed a decision on his future as United States men's national team (USMNT) head coach will come next week, with US Soccer reportedly tabling a new four-year contract to retain the Argentine beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement came just days after the USA's tournament ended in a 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

What Pochettino Said

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, the 54-year-old confirmed that negotiations with the federation are ongoing. “We are evaluating it, looking at it. (U.S. Soccer) have made me an offer to continue, and we will see. Next week we will [make] a decision,” Pochettino said.

The remarks signal that while a resolution is imminent, the Argentine has not yet committed to staying on. His current contract expired at the conclusion of the tournament.

The World Cup Exit That Raised Questions

The USA's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 was a bruising result for a host nation that had entered the tournament with ambitions of a deep run on home soil. The margin of defeat immediately put Pochettino's position under scrutiny, with the coach himself acknowledging shortly after the match that he needed time to reflect before making any call on his future.

Notably, this is the first World Cup hosted by the United States since 1994, making the early exit particularly stinging for a federation that had invested heavily in infrastructure and talent development ahead of the tournament.

The AC Milan Link and What It Means

Pochettino's name had circulated in connection with the managerial vacancy at AC Milan, adding an external dimension to the speculation. However, the Serie A club has since appointed former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, effectively closing that door. With the Milan option off the table, Pochettino's attention appears squarely focused on his discussions with US Soccer.

According to reports, the federation's offer would keep Pochettino in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup — a significant show of faith from an organisation that clearly values continuity despite the tournament disappointment.

Pochettino's Eye on the World Cup Final

Even as his own future remains unresolved, Pochettino expressed genuine excitement about Monday's FIFA World Cup final. “They both deserve to be in the final. I think it's the best game you can watch nowadays. I have no doubt this is going to be one of the most important games in history,” he said.

The comments reflect a coach who remains deeply engaged with the sport even amid personal uncertainty — a quality that US Soccer will likely cite as it pushes for him to stay.

What Happens Next

A formal decision is expected within days. Should Pochettino accept the reported four-year extension, it would mark a clear long-term commitment by US Soccer to his project ahead of the 2030 World Cup. If he walks away, the federation faces the challenge of finding a successor capable of rebuilding confidence after a high-profile home exit.