Mauricio Pochettino’s project with the USMNT is moving forward with high expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but his long-term future looks increasingly uncertain. While the United States prepares to host the world’s biggest football event, the Argentine coach is beginning to attract attention from major European clubs —a dynamic that could cut his American chapter shorter than expected.

Why Is His Post-World Cup Future Uncertain?

Pochettino’s contract expires the moment the World Cup ends. And while national-team cycles often conclude naturally after major tournaments, there is another factor at play: his competitive DNA.

According to former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel, speaking exclusively to GOAL, Pochettino is a “workaholic” who thrives on daily training, constant player interaction, and hands-on tactical work. None of that exists at the international level, where long stretches without matches or training camps are standard.

For someone who lives for the grind of club football, the national-team rhythm can feel limiting.

What Would Need to Happen for Pochettino to Stay?

Friedel’s assessment for GOAL was brutally honest:

• If the USMNT has a bad World Cup, Pochettino will not continue.
• If the team has an excellent World Cup —or even goes all the way— he likely won’t continue either, because top European clubs will immediately chase him.
• Only a solid but not extraordinary tournament would realistically open the door for another cycle.

His continuity depends not only on results, but on how he envisions the next four years of his career.

Why Do European Clubs Want Him Back?

Pochettino hasn’t hidden it: he misses the Premier League.
In an interview with the BBC, he described England’s top flight as “the most competitive league in the world” and made clear that he intends to return to club football sooner rather than later.

His reputation remains untouched. Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea have all experienced his ability to reshape squads, develop young players and build strong football identities. After leading the USMNT on home soil at a globally watched World Cup, his name will be one of the hottest on the coaching market.

Friedel also emphasized a key point: the long periods without training during international duty can feel unnatural for someone as detail-oriented as Pochettino. The lack of daily work doesn’t suit his personality.

¿Qué quiere realmente Pochettino?

Aunque disfruta del proyecto estadounidense y valora este momento en su carrera, también piensa en lo que viene: volver al ritmo diario, al vestuario constante, al pulso competitivo del fútbol europeo.

El resultado del Mundial marcará el tono, pero el escenario es evidente:
las puertas de Europa están abiertas y los clubes grandes lo esperan.

La USMNT tiene todo por ganar en 2026… pero podría perder a su arquitecto justo después.