Top News

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to announce next week whether he will continue as head coach of the United States national football team following their disappointing World Cup exit, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

The United States were knocked out of the World Cup after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, despite the contentious decision to overturn striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension.

This marks the third consecutive World Cup in which the tournament hosts have failed to advance beyond the last 16 stage.

Despite the early elimination, the United States Soccer Federation remains keen to retain Pochettino’s services. His current contract, valued at approximately $6 million annually, is set to expire at the end of this month.

Reports suggest that the federation has tabled a new four-year deal that would keep the Argentine coach in charge through to the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup.

Pochettino has confirmed that talks are ongoing and that a final decision is expected within the coming days.

Following the loss to Belgium, Pochettino mentioned he needed time to reflect before making any decision about his future. Meanwhile, US Soccer remains hopeful of securing him on a long-term basis.

JT Batson, the CEO and Secretary General of US Soccer, is said to be confident that both parties can reach an agreement.

The federation continues to view Pochettino as the ideal candidate to lead the national side into the next World Cup cycle, though there are differing opinions on the matter.

Former US international Alexi Lalas believes that the time has come for the national team to take a new direction.

“I mean, it’s not that I want him to leave,” Lalas said. “I just think that this cycle has run its course.

“It was an abject failure. It’s one thing to go out to Belgium, it’s another thing to go out in the way they went out, especially with how they looked throughout the tournament.

“I don’t think the confidence and excitement were misplaced for this team, but they picked the worst possible day to play their worst possible game.

“It’s obviously on Mauricio Pochettino and these players.”

Pochettino accepted the United States coaching role two years ago, bringing with him an impressive managerial record that includes stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.

He was also briefly considered for the AC Milan job before the Italian club appointed former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim instead.