Mauricio Pochettino said Monday that he might continue as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team after this year’s World Cup.
“Who knows what is going to happen,” Pochettino told reporters as the USMNT got ready for a friendly match against Portugal at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “We are open. We don’t have a contract for the future, but why not if we are happy and the federation is happy?”
“You can never say never. In football, anything can happen. I am very happy. Of course, it is tough; it is a massive challenge, bigger than we thought when we came here. But we are a coaching staff that loves a challenge.”
Pochettino signed a contract with the USMNT in the summer of 2024, which will end after the 2026 World Cup. The tournament begins on June 11, featuring matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and concludes on July 19.
The 54-year-old has been rumored for head coaching positions at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, both of which have let go of their coaches earlier this season.
Pochettino has shown interest in returning to coaching in Europe, where he previously managed Southampton, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and notably Tottenham from 2014-19, a club he still feels connected to.
“It is impossible not to have feelings about Tottenham, the club, the people, and the fans,” he said. “It was one of the best experiences of my life. Of course, I wish to return … and I believe they will stay up, with coach or without coach.”
However, Pochettino confirmed Monday that he has not talked with either Tottenham or Real Madrid about a coaching role after the World Cup and would wait until after the tournament to consider those options.
“Everyone knows that I am committed to the national team here,” Pochettino said. “It’s not the right time to discuss the future. At the moment, no one has approached me. Who knows what is going to happen?”
Tottenham, which fired coach Thomas Frank in February and quickly parted ways with Igor Tudor, has reportedly offered Italian Roberto De Zerbi a long-term contract that would make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Premier League, according to The Athletic.
Real Madrid’s replacement for their coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has made a strong impact, winning 17 out of 21 matches since taking over for Xabi Alonso in mid-January.