USA coach Mauricio Pochettino addresses future after World Cup elimination

SEATTLE — U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he is “so happy” in his current position, following the USMNT‘s elimination from the World Cup.

The USMNT’s World Cup journey ended with a thud on Monday, as Belgium dominated Pochettino’s side 4-1 at Lumen Field in the round of 16.

Pochettino’s contract is up at the end of this World Cup and he has been widely expected to move on after the tournament.

But in his postgame press conference, Pochettino indicated he would be open to staying on past the World Cup.

“Now, because we were talking with the federation, [it’s time] to rest a little bit, to think, to have conversation, and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us,” the Argentine said.

“But I am so happy, I think we built a very good relationship, but now is not a moment to talk about that. I think now is a moment to see, to assess the tournament. For sure, in the next weeks we can start to talk.”

United States fans react in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle.

<1 / 14

United States fans react in the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle.

<2 / 14

Chris Richards of the U.S. looks dejected as he is consoled by coach Mauricio Pochettino after the match following their elimination from the World Cup.

<3 / 14

<4 / 14

<5 / 14

<6 / 14

<7 / 14

<8 / 14

<9 / 14

Matt Freese of the United States reacts after Belgium’s third goal scored by Hans Vanaken of Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle.

<10 / 14

<11 / 14

<12 / 14

<13 / 14

<14 / 14

The Argentine came on as head coach in the fall of 2024, taking over for Gregg Berhalter after the U.S. failed to get out of the group stage at the Copa América on home soil.

But a report in The Athletic last month said that before this tournament, U.S. Soccer offered Pochettino an extension that would take him through the 2030 World Cup.

However, the report said the coach and his staff wouldn’t make any decision until after the 2026 tournament. That’s in line with what Pochettino told reporters at a roundtable last month, when he said he is “open” to staying with the U.S. but also not rushing to make a decision.

“Now we’re focused on the World Cup. Then, if we want to stay, we have months to talk, or days or weeks. Because it’s four years until the next World Cup,” Pochettino said in late June.