The United States Soccer Federation announced its intention to open the file on the future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino in the coming period, following the team's exit from the 2026 World Cup, confirming that discussions with the Argentine coach will resume after a short period of rest and evaluation.

This comes after the US team's farewell to the tournament in the round of 16, following their heavy 4-1 loss to Belgium, a result that disappointed fans who were hoping for a better performance on home soil.

Comprehensive review for the future

The US Soccer Federation clarified in an official statement that it had positive talks with Pochettino before the start of the tournament regarding the next phase, but both sides agreed to postpone the final decision until after the team's participation in the World Cup.

The statement read: 'We hold all appreciation and gratitude for Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff, and for everyone who participated in the program. We will resume discussions after a period of rest and reflection.'

The exit raises question marks

The early exit has cast a shadow over the future of the Argentine coach, whose contract ends at the conclusion of the tournament, amid growing questions about his ability to lead the team in the next phase.

The US team had entered the World Cup with high ambitions to achieve a historic feat, before colliding with Belgium, which ended their adventure with a deserved victory in the round of 16.

Pochettino remains silent

Pochettino has not decided his position on continuing with the team, merely indicating after the match that the experience had many positive aspects, along with some negatives that need review.

The Argentine coach said: 'There were good things and not-so-good things in the past period, but it was an amazing journey for us.'

Comprehensive assessment of the next phase

The US Federation affirmed that the team's development project still needs more work, stressing that future ambitions require a precise evaluation of all technical and administrative aspects.

The statement added: 'We share enthusiasm for the potential our team possesses, and we also realize the amount of work required at all levels to achieve the goals we seek.'

Pochettino took over the US team in September 2024, after successful stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, but the manner of the team's exit from the World Cup may lead the US Federation to reconsider the future of the technical project, with the final decision expected in the coming weeks.