Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to Tottenham this year, but he has an important task on his hands with the USMNT this summer – the FIFA World Cup. Alexi Lalas has now given his take on what the US Soccer Federation should do about the coach’s future.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of FIFA World Cup
England secured Thomas Tuchel’s future earlier this week, extending his contract with the national team just months ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The German coach was linked to Manchester United, and they chose to ease the rumors and let him go into the tournament with peace of mind about his future.
The USMNT is in a similar position to Pochettino, who has been linked with a move back to Tottenham, which is looking for its next manager. Lalas was asked by a fan whether USSF should replicate England’s plan and extend the manager’s contract.
He was quick to claim that it should not be a topic for the Soccer Federation ahead of the World Cup. He wants the manager to be judged on the performances at the tournament and posted on X:
“No. Pochettino was hired for one thing…success at the 2026 home World Cup. That should be what he’s judged on. I have no problem if he continues after the World Cup, but that decision should be made in the context of the World Cup performance.”
No. Pochettino was hired for one thing…success at the 2026 home World Cup. That should be what he’s judged on. I have no problem if he continues after the World Cup, but that decision should be made in the context of the World Cup performance. https://t.co/OxlDeBsLzz
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) February 12, 2026
Pochettino has a contract until the end of the FIFA World Cup, and Tottenham are keen on luring him back to the Premier League.
The manager has repeatedly insisted that he wants to win the English league title and also lift the UEFA Champions League trophy, hinting that he would jump at the chance to return to club football.
Spurs sacked Thomas Frank earlier this week, and have been linked with Pochettino since the summer of 2025. They wanted the Argentine back after parting ways with Ange Postecoglou following the end of the 2024/25 season, but he opted to stay with the USMNT.
The Athletic has reported that the Argentine has no plans to leave his post before the FIFA World Cup and is fully focused on taking the USMNT to the tournament.
