MARIETTA, Ga. – With only 75 days to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, Mauricio Pochettino has finally addressed the elephant in the room: What happens to the USMNT when the party is over?
Speaking at a packed press conference on Monday ahead of tonight’s high-stakes friendly against Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Argentine strategist delivered a message that was equal parts focused and surprisingly open-ended.
The Contract Cliff
Pochettino’s current deal—a landmark agreement worth roughly $6 million annually—is set to expire in August 2026, immediately following the World Cup. For months, rumors have swirled that “Poch” would treat the tournament as a one-off “glamour project” before returning to the European elite, with Real Madrid and a romantic return to Tottenham frequently mentioned.
However, Pochettino pushed back on the idea that he’s already packing his bags.
“Everyone knows I am committed to this national team,” Pochettino said. “We don’t have a contract for the future, but why not? If we are happy and the federation is happy, we are open to talk. Never say never in football.”
The “Potential” Factor
Pochettino’s change in tone seems to stem from a genuine belief in the “massive legacy” the 2026 tournament could leave behind. He highlighted the growth of the youth systems and the increasing “intensity” of the senior squad as reasons why a long-term stay in Chicago might be more appealing than a return to the chaotic carousel of club management.
“The future here is very exciting,” he noted. “But now is not the time to talk about papers. It is the time to be focused on the World Cup.”
Reality Check: The Pressure is On
Despite the optimism, the “Poch Era” hasn’t been all smooth sailing. While he led the U.S. to a Gold Cup Final last summer, recent results have been a mixed bag.
• The Record: Since taking over in September 2024, he has a 13-2-9 record.
• The Belgium Wake-up Call: The U.S. is coming off a bruising 5-2 loss to Belgium last Saturday, a match where Pochettino famously refused to celebrate the American goals, citing a “stone-cold” gut feeling about the team’s defensive intensity.
Tonight’s clash with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is being viewed as the “final dress rehearsal” before Pochettino selects his “Right 26” (not his best 26, as he pointedly clarified) for the World Cup roster on May 26.
The Verdict
For U.S. Soccer fans, Pochettino’s “never say never” is the best news they could have hoped for. It suggests that even if a European giant comes knocking, the allure of building a long-term powerhouse in North America might just be enough to keep the Argentine at the helm through 2030.
But first, he has a world to conquer this June.
