Mauricio Pochettino confirms offer to stay as USMNT head coach

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that U.S. Soccer has offered him a new contract to continue past the 2026 World Cup.

U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that U.S. Soccer has offered him a new contract to continue past the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino took over as USMNT coach in the fall of 2024, signing a contract that took him through the World Cup on home soil. The U.S. fell 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 earlier this month, a hugely disappointing ending to what had been a successful tournament to that point.

After the defeat to Belgium, Pochettino said he is "so happy" as USMNT head coach and would take some time to consider his next move. It appears that if the Argentine wants to stay in his current position, he will have the option to do so. "They (U.S. Soccer) have made me an offer to continue and we will see.

Next week we will take a decision," Pochettino said in an interview with Spanish radio Cadena Cope on Thursday, July 16. The Athletic reported last month that before the World Cup, U.S. Soccer offered Pochettino an extension that would take him through the 2030 World Cup. Pochettino has been widely expected to leave the USMNT after the World Cup.

Prior to the tournament, Pochettino admitted that his representatives met with AC Milan to discuss the Italian club's coaching vacancy. That position has since been filled by ex-Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim. The former Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea manager has been open about his desire to return to the club game, particularly the Premier League.

"I watch (the Premier League) a lot," Pochettino said in a December interview with the BBC. "The Premier League is the best in the world. Of course, I miss it.

"I am so happy in the USA, but I am always thinking about returning one day. It is the most competitive league, and of course, I would love to come back again." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:

Mauricio Pochettino confirms offer to stay as USMNT head coach