USMNT Manager Pochettino Sends Message to Tottenham, Hints at U.S. Future

The USMNT take on Portugal on Tuesday after an embarrassing 5–2 defeat to Belgium over the weekend.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match or competition between the USMNT and Portugal, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the field.Pochettino's USMNT faces a crucial test against Portugal as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.Los Angeles Today

Mauricio Pochettino, the current manager of the U.S. men's national team, addressed concerns about his former club Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently struggling in the Premier League. Pochettino expressed confidence that Tottenham will stay up, despite their recent managerial change. The USMNT is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the U.S., and Pochettino is fully focused on that tournament. However, he has left the door open to a potential return to European soccer after the World Cup if he is not satisfied with U.S. Soccer.

Why it matters

Pochettino's comments about Tottenham and his future plans are significant because he is a highly respected manager who has a history with the Premier League club. His remarks suggest that he still cares about Tottenham's well-being, even as he is focused on leading the USMNT to success in the upcoming World Cup. The uncertainty around Pochettino's future after the World Cup also adds an interesting subplot to the USMNT's preparations for the tournament.

The details

Pochettino, who managed Tottenham for parts of six seasons, addressed concerns about the club's current struggles, saying he is 'sure they're going to stay up with a coach or without a coach.' He emphasized his connections to Tottenham and his belief in the club's ability to avoid relegation. Pochettino's contract with U.S. Soccer expires after the 2026 World Cup, and he has hinted at a potential return to European soccer, saying 'who knows what is going to happen' and that he is 'open' to opportunities. However, he is currently fully focused on the USMNT's preparations for the World Cup, with upcoming friendlies against Portugal, Germany, and Senegal.

  • The USMNT will take on Portugal on Tuesday, March 30, 2026.
  • The USMNT will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles.
  • The USMNT will face Australia on June 19, 2026, in Seattle.
  • The USMNT will play their final Group D match on June 25, 2026, in Los Angeles against either Türkiye or Kosovo.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The current manager of the U.S. men's national team, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur for parts of six seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur

The Premier League club that Mauricio Pochettino previously managed, and which is currently struggling in the league, sitting 17th and one point above the relegation zone.

Igor Tudor

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager who recently left the club by mutual agreement.

Thomas Frank

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager who was named as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the 2024-25 season, leading the club to a 17th-place finish.

Ange Postecoglou

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager who led the club to a 17th-place finish in the 2024-25 season.

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What they’re saying

“'With my connections to Tottenham, it's impossible to feel nothing wrong about the club or the people or the fans. It was one of the best experiences in my life.'”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

“'I am sure they're going to stay up with a coach or without a coach, because of the players ... with the fans that they're going to create the energy to win, of course, it will be tough, that synergy and the dynamic is difficult.'”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

“'I think [Tottenham] is going to have the capacity to win, and I really believe in that.'”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

“'We are very here at the World Cup, and I think everyone knows that I'm committed to the national team here, so I think it's not a point to talk about the future at the moment.'”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

“'Who knows what is going to happen. We are open. We don't have a contract for the future, but why not? If we are happy and the U.S. Soccer Federation is happy, then we will see. I think the most important thing now is to focus tomorrow on the World Cup.'”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Manager

What’s next

The USMNT will take on Portugal on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, in a crucial friendly match as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

Mauricio Pochettino's comments about Tottenham Hotspur and his future plans with the USMNT highlight the complex dynamics facing the U.S. national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. While Pochettino is fully focused on leading the USMNT to success, the uncertainty around his long-term future adds an intriguing subplot to the team's journey.