Will Mauricio Pochettino stay on as USA coach after the 2026 World Cup?

US coach Mauricio Pochettino said his agent may have spoken to AC Milan and he may also have had an informal chat with the Italian club, but he remains open to staying with the US national team after the World Cup.

Pochettino said after training on Thursday that he and US Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson discussed the possibility of staying over dinner on Sunday at Jean-Georges, a highly regarded and expensive restaurant in New York.

“He asked if we are open to listening to the federation’s project for the next four years,” Pochettino said.

«And we said, Of course we’re open. Do you think if we have an alliance with another people, we’re going to waste time listening?» Pochettino agreed to a contract through the World Cup in September 2024. He said until Sunday, «we had no idea whether the federation was happy with us or not, wanted us for the future.»

Pochettino said it was good that his name was linked to big clubs, it means “we are doing something good.” «The problem is… the opposite: no one asks about you,» he said.

Pochettino believed that not much significance should be attached to AC Milan’s discussions.

“My representatives may be possible because they have to do their job,” he said.

“Do you think all the people representing different coaches don’t have conversations with different clubs?” Pochettino avoided revealing whether he was personally involved in any meeting.

«If I met someone, what happened? What will change if I meet someone?» he said. «We have friends everywhere and my representative is trying to find me the best opportunities for the future. That’s normal.» The discussion about Pochettino’s future does not affect players.

“I think I’m someone who lives in the present and right now he’s here and we’re working with him,” winger Tim Weah said.

“It’s a great feeling to have such a prestigious coach coaching us.” Batson was unfazed by Pochettino’s job interviews.

“He had offers from other places to come and he wanted to be here,” Batson said.

“There is a longer list of outreach activities than what has even been reported.” Pochettino, 54, was hired after coaching at Espanyol, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Batson would not say whether the USSF has contacted Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, two high-profile free agents as coaches.

Matt Crocker, who as USSF sporting director recommended that Pochettino be hired to replace Gregg Berhalter, resigned last month to take a job with Saudi Arabian football’s governing body. Batson said one athletic director responsible for both the men’s and women’s programs may not be hired.

“The ecosystems of men’s and women’s soccer in the U.S. and around the world are different and so we need to think about how we are structured to reflect that,” Batson said.

«I wouldn’t expect a like-for-like sporting director in the future.»

Published on May 29, 2026