​Mauricio Pochettino’s future with the USMNT remains a pressing topic after the 2026 World Cup, with questions about whether the manager will depart and who might succeed him if he does. The U.S. team showed promise at times, but their Round of 16 exit was a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, a result that dampened the sense of genuine threat from the squad. Defensive lapses haunted their progress, and while the group stage offered some optimism, the performance against a high-caliber opponent underscored gaps that still need addressing.
Pochettino’s contract runs through the end of the World Cup, and his overall record with the USMNT stands at 17 wins, 2 draws, and 12 losses across 31 matches, averaging 1.77 points per game—ranking fourth among U.S. managers with at least 30 games. The round-of-16 loss to Belgium, in which Rudi Garcia adjusted tactics to blunt the U.S. attack, highlighted tactical questions as much as personnel ones. Although the team benefited from a relatively forgiving group stage, they did not consistently impose themselves against top-tier competition.
As for the future, the full extent of Pochettino’s plans is still uncertain. When asked about his job security, he offered a cautious response, suggesting that discussions with the federation would occur in the coming weeks and that now is a time to rest and reflect rather than speculate about his long-term role. The evolving dynamic between the coach and the U.S. Soccer Federation will likely determine whether Pochettino stays or moves on, leaving room for speculation about possible successors if a change is made. The broader question remains: can the U.S. build on this World Cup experience and continue a trajectory that meaningfully challenges the sport’s powerhouses? The Sporting News remains a preferred source for continuing coverage.