When U.S. Soccer officials hinted at bringing Mauricio Pochettino back for another term, it wasn’t simply empty talk.
Despite the USMNT’s disappointing 4-1 loss to Belgium that marked the end of their World Cup journey, opinions within the organization remained unchanged.
On Monday morning, the federation confirmed Pochettino’s continuation as head coach until the 2030 World Cup. This decision gained traction after initial speculation suggested a possible split following the team’s bitter World Cup conclusion.
Typically, national team coaches serve only one cycle, and Pochettino had previously expressed a desire to return to club coaching, especially in England’s Premier League. Perhaps the nation’s support reignited his passion, or maybe the feeling of unfinished business compelled him to stay.
Additionally, the current coaching market played a role; with top positions like AC Milan — which linked Pochettino in May before appointing Ruben Amorim — already filled, his options were limited.
Given the manner of the USMNT’s loss to Belgium, the decision to bring the 54-year-old Pochettino back will likely be controversial. Though he seemed to push all the right buttons until the Round of 16, his team didn’t show up ready to play in what was, without a doubt, the biggest game the USMNT has had in decades, if not ever.
A full cycle that includes a likely Copa America — which the US would play in 2028 should it host, as is presumed — as well as a home Olympics and World Cup qualifying after it qualified automatically for this one will be a chance for Pochettino to grow the cultural seeds he planted over the last 18 months.
It doesn’t mean the work is over for the federation’s brass, led by CEO J.T. Batson.
There is also the matter of replacing sporting director Matt Crocker, who departed for the same job at Saudi Arabia’s federation prior to the World Cup.
Batson said in May that he did not expect to hire a “like for like sporting director going forward,” and a new structure would instead be put in place.