The future of U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino remains in question following the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16. Former U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller stated he would "not be surprised" if Pochettino departs the role for a new opportunity, citing inconsistency during the manager's tenure since his 2024 hiring.
"I know there will be options for him with the way he has got the US playing, because there were a lot of question marks in the 20 months leading up to the World Cup," Keller told Ozoon. The U.S. Soccer Federation has been in discussions to retain Pochettino through the 2030 World Cup, with a proposal reportedly outlined in May. Talks continued during the tournament, according to ESPN.
Following the defeat to Belgium, Pochettino did not directly confirm his departure, stating that now is not the time for such discussions. "Right now, it’s about resting a little bit, to think, to have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is," Pochettino said after the match. "I’m so happy. We’ve built a very good relationship."
Pochettino's contract concludes after the World Cup elimination. Should he leave, a return to club soccer is considered a likely path, with past links to Italian club AC Milan, his former team Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. However, those clubs have since filled their managerial vacancies.
Pochettino previously expressed his sentiment about the Premier League, telling the BBC in 2025, "The Premier League is the best league in the world. Of course I am missing it. I am so happy in America but also thinking one day to come back to the Premier League. It’s the most competitive league."