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Mauricio Pochettino opted against getting into discussions about his future after the U.S. Men's National Team's FIFA World Cup exit -Credit:Alex Pantling - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino insists now is not the moment to discuss his future leading the U.S. Men's National Team after his team were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup by Belgium.
Monday evening witnessed the USMNT's World Cup journey conclude at the hands of Belgium, who dominated Pochettino's team in a 4-1 Round of 16 loss in Seattle. While Malik Tillman leveled following Charles De Ketelaere's opener, the latter netted just two minutes after the USMNT player's free-kick, with Belgium proceeding to add two more through Hans Vanaken, assisted by a Matt Freese mistake, and Romelu Lukaku.
The preparation for the match was overshadowed by FIFA's choice to essentially reverse Folarin Balogun's red card picked up during the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with U.S. President Donald Trump publicly acknowledging his role in pressuring the governing body of global soccer to do so. Nevertheless, even with Balogun on the field, the USMNT proved no competition for Belgium, as per The Mirror US.
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-Credit:Sarah Stier - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
With the USMNT now destined to observe the remainder of the World Cup from the sidelines, focus now shifts to Pochettino's future.
The Argentine accepted the USMNT position in September 2024, just months after he departed Chelsea, with his contract scheduled to conclude at the end of the World Cup. Following the loss to Belgium, Pochettino declined to comment on his future, informing reporters that now is not the time to address it.
"Now is not a moment to talk about that," said Pochettino when asked about his future. "In the next weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk."
He added: "Right now, it's about resting a little bit, to think, have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I'm so happy. We've built a very good relationship, now is not a moment to talk about [my future]."
Before the World Cup, reports emerged that Pochettino had been presented with a deal that would extend his tenure with the USMNT through to the 2030 World Cup.
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Given Pochettino's reputation and his impressive track record in the Premier League, he will likely be a leading candidate for numerous top positions across Europe should they become available.
While a major European club making a significant managerial change during the summer appears unlikely, the Argentine would almost certainly be a frontrunner for any prominent role that opens up once the 2026/27 season gets underway.
Although it remains uncertain whether Pochettino will guide the USMNT into the 2030 World Cup, he did acknowledge his belief that the 2026 squad demonstrated to the world that the U.S. can compete at soccer, with this tournament poised to inspire the next generation of players.
"I think this team showed that we can play football, we can play soccer, we can compete," he added.
"A lot of young players with a lot of potential and future, and I think a generation of young kids that are coming behind. I think only [that you should] keep believing in that process."
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