The future of U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be clarified next week, as the Argentine's contract situation remains unresolved following the team's departure from the World Cup.

Pochettino, 54, has a four-year contract extension on the table that would extend his tenure through the 2030 World Cup. However, he has not yet committed to remaining with the team. In comments made to Spanish radio outlet Cadena Cope, Pochettino stated, "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."

The USMNT was eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Despite this result, U.S. Soccer has expressed a desire to retain Pochettino, whose current $6 million-a-year deal, making him the highest-paid head coach in U.S. Soccer history, is set to expire at the end of the tournament.

Following the loss to Belgium, Pochettino had indicated he would take a post-World Cup break before discussing his future. U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson was reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement earlier in the week.

However, not all figures associated with the team share the federation's optimism. Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. international and current commentator, suggested that U.S. Soccer should part ways with Pochettino. "I just think that this cycle has run its course," Lalas stated on talkSPORT. "When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, you had one job. And it was the game against Belgium. You win that game, then you're in some rarefied air... So I think that they [US Soccer] move on. I believe he's had a good time, but you had one job, and you blew it."

Lalas characterized the team's performance against Belgium as an "abject failure" and noted that the manner of the exit, particularly given the team's performance throughout the tournament, was disappointing. He added, "the reality is a lot of that goodwill and a lot of the people that came into the tent… they're left shaking their head and there's an inquiry going on right now… rightfully holding this team and this coach to account."

Pochettino was appointed USMNT head coach two years ago. His previous coaching experience includes spells with Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. Reports had previously linked him to the AC Milan job, but the Italian club has since appointed Ruben Amorim.