Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT future: Will U.S. manager leave, and who could replace him if he does? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The USMNT huffed and puffed throughout the 2026 World Cup, appearing, for a moment, to look like it was a genuine threat in the competition.
But in the Round of 16, Mauricio Pochettino's side came crashing back down to earth. The USMNT suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of a Belgium side that looked underwhelming for much of the tournament.
Pochettino's bunch came undone behind a series of defensive calamities. It's hard to tell if the U.S.'s outing in this year's competition constituted a real success — the USMNT beat the sides it was expected to beat before falling to a Red Devils team that looked a step below the squads they touted in prior tournaments.
Nevertheless, Pochettino remains in the spotlight. With his contract slated to end at the end of the competition, onlookers are left with an all-too-familiar question: who will be the USMNT's coach after this year's World Cup.
The USMNT huffed and puffed throughout the 2026 World Cup, appearing, for a moment, to look like it was a genuine threat in the competition.
But in the Round of 16, Mauricio Pochettino's side came crashing back down to earth. The USMNT suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of a Belgium side that looked underwhelming for much of the tournament.
Pochettino's bunch came undone behind a series of defensive calamities. It's hard to tell if the U.S.'s outing in this year's competition constituted a real success — the USMNT beat the sides it was expected to beat before falling to a Red Devils team that looked a step below the squads they touted in prior tournaments.
Nevertheless, Pochettino remains in the spotlight. With his contract slated to end at the end of the competition, onlookers are left with an all-too-familiar question: who will be the USMNT's coach after this year's World Cup.
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