U.S. Soccer Holds Active Talks With Pochettino on Return as Men's Coach

U.S. Soccer is in active discussions with Mauricio Pochettino about returning as head coach of the men's national team, CEO J.T. Batson said July 10. The comments came one week after the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium eliminated the USMNT from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16.

Pochettino received a contract renewal offer before the tournament began and remains the federation's preferred candidate to lead the team through the 2030 World Cup, Batson stated. The federation is now planning its structure for the next four years following the early exit. Steve Cherundolo was named coach of the U.S.

Under-23 team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Pochettino and his staff took part in the discussions that led to the appointment, Batson said. The federation has operated without a sporting director since Matt Crocker left the post in April.

COO Dan Helfrich currently oversees sporting decisions, with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, men's national team development head Barry Pauwels, women's national teams development head Tracey Kevins, and women's national team coach Emma Hayes participating in strategic talks.

Forward Folarin Balogun received a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA placed him on probation the day before the round-of-16 match, allowing him to play.

President Donald Trump said he contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the decision. Balogun told CBS Mornings on July 14 that the controversy created nerves among teammates before the Belgium game. Batson said the president is able to do what the president wants to do regarding the Balogun situation.