Two months removed from a disappointing exit at the World Cup on home soil, United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has returned to work with an ambitious vision that extends well beyond the results on the pitch.
The Argentine, initially viewed as a short-term appointment when he took charge in 2024 to lead the Americans through their first home World Cup in more than three decades, has since agreed to a contract extension finalized in August. That renewal comes with expanded responsibilities, as US Soccer has tasked Pochettino with playing a larger role in shaping youth development, coaching education, and professional league cooperation across the country.
Speaking to a small group of reporters on Monday, Pochettino outlined his broader ambitions for American soccer as the program looks toward the 2030 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the US could also feature in that summer's Copa América.
"This is the future of the USA," Pochettino said. "We want to try to perform in the World Cup and to create something special with the fans. And now it's about being a part of the legacy that the federation wants to create – becoming one of the most powerful countries in soccer. That is a dream, no? It's amazing. If we can be part of that, we are so excited and so happy."
The federation is currently restructuring its operations, including the search for new director roles overseeing both men's and women's senior and youth programs. Pochettino said he has offered his input but stressed the process shouldn't be dictated solely by his preferences, joking that "it can't [just] be my guy."
Ahead of a run of four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in late September and early October, Pochettino also addressed the quiet transfer window for several USMNT players, most notably Folarin Balogun. The Monaco forward, who impressed at the World Cup, saw a deadline-day move to Everton collapse over a disputed fitness concern.
"Yes, it's difficult because you cannot influence that decision," Pochettino said. "You need to support what they are doing with the people making the decisions. In some special cases, like Flo's, I will call in the next few days... I think he's an important player for us, he was an important player in the World Cup and I hope that he can find being in Monaco, or in another place, his best place to perform in the best way."
On the subject of dual nationals, Pochettino confirmed that Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks, who has drawn interest from Germany and reportedly been scouted by new Germany boss Jürgen Klopp, remains undecided about his international future and will sit out the upcoming camp. "We are in contact with all the potential dual nationals," Pochettino explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships even when players haven't committed.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Pochettino said his staff is coordinating closely with U-23 coach Steve Cherundolo to identify young talent who could contend for a gold medal on home soil, calling it a priority for both his staff and the federation.
The coach also renewed his long-standing criticism of how American soccer culture handles young talent, pushing back against coaches and players who decline youth national team call-ups over load management concerns. "You cannot rest at 17," Pochettino said, recalling his own experience playing multiple matches in a single day as a teenager at Newell's Old Boys. He argued that treating 17- and 18-year-olds like veteran professionals stifles their development and reflects an outdated mindset that needs to change if the US is to fulfill its potential as a soccer nation.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.