USMNT Coach Leaves Door Open for Future After World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino says he's focused on the national team but doesn't rule out a Premier League return.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer match, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.Pochettino's uncertain future leaves the USMNT's World Cup plans in flux as the coach weighs a potential Premier League return.Marietta Today

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he is open to staying in his current role beyond the World Cup, citing the growth potential of soccer in the U.S. and the new training facility being built. However, Pochettino also acknowledged that he misses the Premier League and his time managing Tottenham, one of England's top clubs, calling it 'one of the best experiences' of his career.

Why it matters

Pochettino's future plans are of keen interest as the USMNT prepares for the World Cup. His potential departure could disrupt the national team's preparations, while his return to the Premier League would be a major storyline in English soccer.

The details

Pochettino said he has not had any direct talks with Tottenham or Real Madrid about potential job openings, but he did not rule out a future Premier League return. He praised the growth of soccer in the U.S. and the new training facility being built, suggesting he is open to staying with the national team. However, Pochettino also acknowledged his affinity for English soccer culture and his successful stint managing Tottenham from 2014-2019.

  • Pochettino's contract with the USMNT expires after the 2026 World Cup.
  • Tottenham are reportedly close to hiring their third manager of the season, Roberto De Zerbi, as they sit 17th in the Premier League table.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The current head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team, who previously had a successful stint managing Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur

One of the biggest clubs in the English Premier League, where Pochettino previously managed from 2014-2019.

Real Madrid

The Spanish soccer club that Pochettino has been linked to as a potential future manager.

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What they’re saying

“I think you can never say never. In football, everything can happen. I am very happy here and of course, it's tough, but it's a massive challenge. It's a bigger challenge than we really believed or thought [when starting] here.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

“I miss the world of football in England. I love the country, its culture, its football culture.”

— Mauricio Pochettino

“Of course we are going to be here, full focus on the World Cup, but if you ask me about that club, it's a club I really care [about].”

— Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT Head Coach

What’s next

Pochettino's future plans will continue to be a major storyline leading up to the 2026 World Cup, as speculation swirls about a potential return to the Premier League.

The takeaway

Pochettino's openness to staying with the USMNT beyond the World Cup, combined with his admitted affinity for English soccer, suggests his future remains uncertain. His decision could have major implications for the national team's preparations and the Premier League coaching carousel.