USMNT coach Pochettino admits he could leave before 2030 World Cup

When Mauricio Pochettino took the U.S. men's national team coaching job in the fall of 2024, there was nothing that was going to keep him from staying through the 2026 World Cup.

But now, after signing an extension through the 2030 World Cup, things are different.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Argentine signed a new four-year deal with U.S. Soccer after leading the USMNT to the round of 16 at a World Cup on home soil. Pochettino was widely expected to return to the club game after his two-year contract expired but instead, he is now looking a potential six-year tenure.

But Pochettino has admitted there are circumstances that could see him depart before the next World Cup. It could be the federation deciding to sack him, or perhaps a club could arrive with an offer too good to refuse.

"Now it’s a four-year contract, it’s different," Pochettino told reporters this week. "We can next season lose the Copa America, or the Gold Cup, and they’re not happy with us, they can sack us.

"Or we can say 'OK, it’s not the way that we think.' Four years is different. Maybe now if someone calls in the future, it’s a different type…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/