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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped up, but before the U.S. men's national team shifts its focus to the fast-approaching September international window and Concacaf Nations League fixtures, one pressing question remains unanswered: "Who will be in charge?"
Mauricio Pochettino was at the controls during soccer's grandest stage, having been appointed in 2024 to guide the USMNT through its first home World Cup in more than three decades. The Argentine tactician, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, was a significant acquisition for the Stars and Stripes and steered them to historic achievements across North America. The side secured back-to-back group stage victories for the first time since the tournament's very first edition in 1930 and claimed its first knockout round win in 24 years.
The U.S.'s impressive run through the round of 32 captured the imagination of American supporters, both longtime fans and newcomers alike, and drove record-setting viewership of USMNT matches. The squad's storybook journey came to a jarring halt in the round of 16, however, as they were dismantled 4–1 by a Belgian side that had largely disappointed throughout the tournament up to that point.
Blame was cast in multiple directions, with much of it falling on Pochettino himself, who appeared to be tactically outmaneuvered from the first whistle and struggled to counter Belgium's relentless offensive pressure. It marked the first time analysts began questioning his long-term future in the role.
Pochettino's contract with U.S. Soccer expired following the summer's events, and while the federation had reportedly extended a contract offer even before the tournament kicked off, the manager remained noncommittal and unclear about his intentions going forward.
The 54-year-old had consistently stated he wouldn't reach a decision until after the tournament ended, but then announced on July 17, two days before the World Cup final, that U.S. Soccer was eager to retain him and that he would make a decision within the following week. That deadline passed without any update ... until now.
According to The Athletic, Pochettino is "close" to finalizing an agreement with U.S. Soccer to continue as USMNT manager through the next four-year cycle. His new deal would run through the 2030 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. The financial details of the new contract have not yet been disclosed.
USMNT Midfielder Max Arfsten Weighs in on Pochettino
One significant factor behind Pochettino's likely contract renewal may be the strong bonds he forged with his players. Despite coming from a different background and nationality, the manager has won over his American squad, with players consistently speaking glowingly about him throughout the year.
USMNT winger Max Arfsten, who appeared in the round of 16 defeat to Belgium, is among Pochettino's most vocal supporters. Pochettino kick-started the 25-year-old's international career by handing him his first call-up in 2025.
"Obviously, he's been a really important person in my career. He's given me my first opportunity and many opportunities with the U.S.," the Columbus Crew star tells Sports Illustrated during 2026 MLS All-Star week. "So all I can say is he's a really good coach. Obviously, I think that speaks for itself, with the clubs he has coached and how he's been with the national team.
"But he's also a very good person, in my opinion. He's super humble, down to earth, friendly, very passionate about the game. He has that South American passion for the game that you can see any time South American teams play. He's like that in how he coaches. Just a really good person. He will always have our backs ... I'm very thankful to have had him as a coach."
"I hope he stays," Arfsten adds.
A formal announcement is expected within the coming days.