U.S. Soccer has remained noncommittal regarding the future of manager Mauricio Pochettino, releasing a statement Tuesday that signaled ongoing conversations following the team's departure from the World Cup. The federation's stance comes after Pochettino himself offered a non-answer when asked about his status after the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium.
"We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future," the statement read. "We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup. We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program. 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."
No federation representatives were available for questions on Tuesday. Pochettino's contract was set to conclude after the World Cup, though reports indicate an extension offer through the 2030 cycle was presented before the competition.
Pochettino, 54, has previously expressed interest in returning to England's Premier League. In late May, Italian club AC Milan was rumored to be interested in his services, but they ultimately hired Ruben Amorim.
"In the next few weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk," Pochettino said after the match. "Right now it’s about resting a little bit, to think, to 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]."
Separately, the Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed that its case concerning Folarin Balogun's suspended red card is "ongoing" despite the match result. The RBFA stated it will continue to pursue the FIFA matter off the pitch, advocating for the consistent application of principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment, and fair play to avoid any form of arbitrariness.