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"You can never say never," Mauricio Pochettino is fond of saying. "In football, anything is possible."
That philosophy very much applies to the future of the current U.S. men's national team head coach. Pochettino's deal runs out after the World Cup on home turf, leaving the former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss available on the open market.
AC Milan have been the first club to demonstrate genuine interest, arranging a face-to-face meeting with Pochettino in Georgia in May, according to The Athletic. The storied Serie A club are undergoing a sweeping overhaul after failing to secure a spot in next season's Champions League. Manager Massimiliano Allegri was among several prominent figures to depart following the end of the campaign, creating an opening for Pochettino.
There is no indication that the USMNT boss has committed his future anywhere just yet—and Pochettino may be well-advised to hold off on any agreement (or any public announcement) until after the tournament concludes.
Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson was widely criticized for putting pen to paper with PSV Eindhoven before the 1990 World Cup got underway, while Julen Lopetegui was dramatically dismissed by Spain on the eve of the 2018 tournament once his deal with Real Madrid became public knowledge.
Pochettino has already seen his preferred route blocked by Tottenham's appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, but there remain plenty of possibilities for the highly regarded tactician. As he himself says, anything could happen.
6. England
Back in 2017, while speaking with Guillem Balague for his book, A Brave New World, Pochettino expressed his desire to manage the England national team.
"If I were ever to become an international manager, I'd embrace the chance to coach England," he said enthusiastically. "I've heard my name has been mentioned for the role before, though I'm not sure how much truth there was to it."
Whatever credibility those links carried at the time has only faded since. England are thoroughly satisfied with Thomas Tuchel's stewardship, with the German coach handed a contract extension through to 2028 as far back as February. That said, international contracts can be swiftly terminated following a disastrous tournament.
Should the Three Lions fall short in the U.S., it's not entirely inconceivable that they revisit a former target who has deep familiarity with the Premier League.
5. Crystal Palace
During the early part of 2026, Pochettino did little to dismiss speculation about a return to Tottenham. Yet the former Southampton boss's fondness stretches across the entire country he called home for seven years.
"I miss the football world in England," he reflected wistfully earlier this year. "I love the country, its culture, the football culture. For anyone with a competitive drive who wants to pit themselves against others and push their limits, it's the perfect environment. You have to constantly bring your best."
Premier League vacancies are scarce. Crystal Palace and Manchester City are the only two clubs currently seeking a manager—though Pep Guardiola is widely tipped to be succeeded by Enzo Maresca. The Eagles have been strongly linked with Andoni Iraola, but if the highly coveted high-pressing Spanish-speaking coach is tempted away, why not pursue another highly coveted high-pressing Spanish-speaking coach.
4. Real Madrid
Not so long ago, this looked like Pochettino's most probable next destination. The Argentine, believed to enjoy a strong rapport with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, even declined to rule out a potential switch when confronted with the rumors in March.
However, the situation has since shifted. José Mourinho now appears to be the frontrunner for the coveted position, even if an official announcement won't come until after the club's presidential elections on June 7. In the unlikely event that Pérez is unseated by Enrique Riquelme, Pochettino's name could re-enter the conversation.
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3. Argentina
If Pochettino has developed an appetite for international management, the ultimate ambition would surely be to one day lead his native country.
Lionel Scaloni would be a formidable act to follow. Pochettino's fellow Argentine has guided the national side to the 2022 World Cup and consecutive Copa América triumphs. Scaloni's contract with the team also runs out in 2026 and may not be extended if the title defense falls flat.
Regardless of Scaloni's situation, this will almost certainly be Lionel Messi's final major tournament. Pochettino has direct experience navigating the delicate balancing act required with his country's greatest ever player, famously acknowledging: "You cannot say to Messi, 'Go to press.'"
Without the veteran icon shaping the entire team's approach, Pochettino would be well positioned to introduce his characteristically high-energy system with a crop of young, ambitious winners.
2. Stay With the USMNT
Pochettino surprised many last March when he left the door open to remaining with the USMNT. "Who knows what will happen," he told the media. "We are open. We don't have a contract beyond this but why not, if we're happy and the federation is happy?"
"I am very happy," Pochettino added. "Of course it is demanding—it's a huge challenge, a bigger one than we anticipated when we arrived. But we are a coaching staff that thrives on challenges."
The general assumption had been that both parties would be content to go their separate ways after a somewhat turbulent two years with Pochettino in charge. Should the U.S. come anywhere near fulfilling the manager's lofty ambitions, he might be tempted to ride off into the sunset. If the hosts disappoint—as many anticipate—a continuation would seem even less probable.
1. AC Milan
Milan are the only club side with any tangible link to Pochettino that has not yet moved closer to securing a different manager. However, The Athletic reports that Iraola is the Italian club's primary target. Palace, though, are also pursuing the Basque coach aggressively and, should they win that race, Pochettino would seemingly become the next name in the frame.
The Stars and Stripes boss would encounter familiar faces in U.S. internationals Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at San Siro, should he take on a rebuilding project that could be well suited to his strengths.
Serie A is no longer the force it once was. So many clubs persist with an outdated 3-5-2 that is routinely undone by a 4-3-3. It goes some way to explaining why Italian clubs have struggled so heavily in European competition and why Como have impressed with a relatively progressive, high-pressing style under Cesc Fàbregas.