When the USMNT brought in Mauricio Pochettino in 2024, the hope was that a world-class tactician would finally help the squad go toe-to-toe with soccer's elite on home soil. But with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, it looks like Pochettino already has one foot out the door — and US soccer fans are absolutely livid.
According to sports journalist Nicolò Schira, Pochettino will step down immediately after the World Cup, regardless of how the tournament ends. The report claims he's been offered the managerial gig at AC Milan — the same club where USMNT star Christian Pulisic currently plays — though it's unclear if he'll accept. Schira tweeted: "Mauricio #Pochettino will leave #USA National Team after the World Cup. He has been offered to #ACMilan by an intermediary in the last hours."
Fans Cry Foul Over 'Lame Duck' Status
The news has sent shockwaves through the USMNT fanbase, with many feeling betrayed that their head coach is already planning his next move before the biggest tournament in a generation. One fan on X wrote: "Awesome, lame duck coach in the only World Cup we'll see on this soil for decades. No wonder he didn't give a (expletive) about calling anyone." Another added: "Seems like he's had a foot out the door the whole time."
The frustration echoes earlier controversies, including the USMNT being blasted over 'inexcusable' email roster cuts and the outrage over Diego Luna's World Cup snub. For many, this latest development is just another sign that the program lacks stability and genuine commitment from its leadership.
"Why this man was even hired to be our coach is beyond me. How embarrassing," a third fan wrote. "US Soccer remains undefeated. Horrific hire. Blinded by the name and buying into the hype instead of paying attention to what the guy actually did in his previous jobs. Poch has never given me the sense he cares about the US job. There is no connection with this team."
Another frustrated supporter summed it up: "Remember when USMNT fans were twerking for him, calling him a 'World class manager'? NOTHING to show for it."
Not Entirely Unexpected
For those who've followed Pochettino's tenure closely, the news shouldn't come as a complete shock. He originally signed only a two-year contract, which was always set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. Still, the timing of the report — just before the tournament — has rubbed fans the wrong way.
Some argue that any attention Pochettino gives to his post-World Cup future is a distraction, though there's no evidence he's been personally handling negotiations rather than leaving it to his agent. As disappointing as it feels to have a coach already packing his bags, he's hardly the first to do so — and he won't be the last.
The bigger question might be whether the team's performance in the World Cup will influence whether top clubs or national teams come calling. If the USMNT flops, that AC Milan offer might not look so shiny. But if they exceed expectations, Pochettino could walk away with his reputation fully restored — leaving US soccer fans to wonder what might have been.
Meanwhile, Carli Lloyd has vowed to criticize the USMNT without mercy in the World Cup booth, adding another layer of pressure on a team already dealing with internal turmoil.
