Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he will take a post-World Cup break before discussing his future as the head coach of the United States men’s national team.
The Argentinian, 54, has a four-contract extension on the table that would take him through to the end of the 2030 World Cup, but he is yet to decide whether he wants to stay for another cycle.
As he nears the end of his $6 million-a-year deal, which makes him the highest-paid coach in US Soccer history, he revealed he has not yet decided his plan.
‘I think now, because we were talking with the Federation, it is [time] to rest a little bit, to have conversations and see what the decision is from the Federation and from us,’ he said after watching his team crash out of the World Cup.
‘But I’m so happy, we built a very good relationship. Now is not the moment to talk about that.’
Pochettino was addressing the media just minutes after his United States had been dumped out of the tournament in a brutal 4-1 loss against Belgium.
Mauricio Pochettino sighs as he addresses the media after his team’s brutal 4-1 World Cup loss
On the pitch in Seattle, he gathered his players and staff into a post-match huddle
Chris Richards urged Pochettino to sign the new contract and continue in his current role
In the game, Charles De Ketelaere scored twice – either side of a deflected free-kick from Malik Tillman – before a dreadful Matt Freese error allowed Hans Vanaken to net a third for the Belgians.
In added time, Romelu Lukaku added insult to injury as the US crashed out and ended their home World Cup in ignominious circumstances.
Speaking out about his manager, star defender Chris Richards told reporters: ‘He’s had a huge impact on us, especially over the last 18 months or so I think you’ve seen a real growth in this team.
‘I mean, it wasn’t always perfect, but I think you’ve definitely seen the growth, and again, he’s been great for my career, great for this national team, great for this federation, so hopefully he does extend… ‘
‘I’m not behind the scenes, so I don’t know, but ultimately, if he decides to stay on, I know when it comes next World Cup, we’re gonna go farther.’
World Cup 2026Mauricio Pochettino
