‘Workaholic’ Mauricio Pochettino Could Leave USMNT After 2026 World Cup as ‘Big Clubs’ Will Want Him

Why ‘Workaholic’ Mauricio Pochettino May Walk Away After the 2026 World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has never been a man to sit still for long. Whether he’s prowling the touchline, obsessing over training details, or shaping young talent, the Argentine manager thrives on rhythm, repetition, and daily work. So while he may be the man tasked with guiding the USMNT into a historic World Cup on home soil, his long-term future is far from guaranteed—and according to former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel, the “workaholic” coach could decide to walk away once the 2026 World Cup comes to an end.

In an exclusive conversation with GOAL, Friedel shed light on why Pochettino’s contract situation, personality, and ambition could all push him back toward club football sooner rather than later. And in a sport where timing matters just as much as talent, the summer of 2026 could prove to be a crossroads for both the United States and one of the most respected coaches of his generation.

Pochettino’s Contract: When the USMNT Deal Ends

Pochettino stepped into the U.S. national team role in September 2024, inheriting a project full of expectation. The so-called Golden Generation—Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson and others—had long been touted as a group capable of elevating American soccer to a new level. Pochettino was brought in not only to prepare this core for the World Cup, but also to reset the culture around the national team and build a structure that could finally turn potential into results.

The challenge hasn’t been easy. There have been tactical tweaks, painful learning moments, and debates about identity—but there’s also been belief. The USMNT genuinely sees itself as competitive heading into a home World Cup, and Pochettino deserves credit for restoring a sense of direction.

But here’s the catch: his contract only runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
That end date means the question is coming whether anyone likes it or not: Will Pochettino stay? Or will he treat the World Cup as a natural end point and move on?

Stay or Go: What Will Mauricio Pochettino Do After the World Cup?

United States v Ecuador – International Friendly

International management is, by nature, cyclical. Managers typically sign deals that last through a tournament, evaluate the results, and decide whether to begin another four-year cycle. For Pochettino, the upcoming World Cup represents both a monumental opportunity and a clear decision point.

Friedel, speaking to GOAL in association with ToonieBet, offered an honest breakdown:

“If it doesn’t go well, probably no. If it goes incredibly well and they win it, I don’t think he stays. If it’s somewhere in the middle—and it’s good and building—then I think there is probably a chance.”

It’s a fascinating perspective: Pochettino may leave whether the USMNT flops or succeeds spectacularly. The sweet spot, ironically, may be a campaign that shows progress but leaves room for unfinished business.

Friedel also raised a key point—Pochettino loves building projects, but he also needs to see long-term quality. What happens when players age out? What if the next wave isn’t quite ready? For a coach who values stability and continuity, those uncertainties matter.

Premier League Return? What Pochettino Misses About Club Football

Pochettino has already been open about his desire to return to club management one day. In an interview with BBC Sport, he admitted:

“The Premier League is the best league in the world… Of course I am missing it.”

And who could blame him? The Premier League is fast, relentless, emotional, and tactical on a minute-by-minute basis. It’s addictive for coaches who feed off daily work—and Pochettino is very much one of them.

Friedel, who knows his staff well, echoed this sentiment:

“He’s a workaholic, and his whole staff are. With national teams, you miss the day-to-day. You’re talking, scouting, meeting—but you’re not on the pitch as much.”

For a younger, energetic manager who thrives on constant engagement, the long breaks between international windows can feel like a cage. And when the 2026 World Cup wraps up, the noise from Europe will get loud.

The truth is simple: big clubs will want him.
And Friedel believes Pochettino will want them too.

A Manager in Demand: Why ‘Big Clubs’ Will Call

Pochettino’s stock remains exceptionally high, even after mixed spells at PSG and Chelsea. He’s still viewed as one of the best developers of young players in world football. He’s still respected for his work at Tottenham, where he transformed a stagnant club into Champions League finalists. And he still carries the blend of authority, empathy, and tactical intelligence that top clubs crave.

By summer 2026, several giants—Premier League, Bundesliga, and maybe even La Liga sides—will be assessing their next steps. The timing could be perfect for Pochettino to re-enter the club scene.

Friedel sees this scenario clearly:

“I can see big clubs wanting him. And I can understand him wanting the day-to-day because he is a workaholic.”

If a major club in England or Europe comes calling, it will be hard to imagine Pochettino turning down that opportunity, especially after two years away from club football.

World Cup Focus: Pochettino & USMNT Looking Toward the Draw

Mauricio Pochettino USMNT Roster

For now, the USMNT isn’t worrying about Pochettino’s post-2026 plans. There’s no time for that, and no reason to get distracted. The team’s attention is locked on the next major milestone: the 2026 World Cup group stage draw, which will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5.

That event will shape everything—the opponents, the expectations, the narrative. And Pochettino, ever the competitor, is throwing himself into preparations.

He may leave in 2026 or he may stay for another cycle. But one thing is certain: over the next year, he will pour his entire being into this team. That’s who he is. It’s why players love him and clubs want him. And it’s why the USMNT hired him in the first place.

What Comes Next for Pochettino?

The story is not written yet, but the path is becoming clearer:

• If the USMNT underperforms → he likely leaves.

• If the USMNT wins it all → he likely leaves.

• If the USMNT grows but has more to build → he may stay.

• If a major club comes calling → he will listen.

Mauricio Pochettino is a builder, a worker, and a man wired for daily competition. And whether his next chapter takes him deeper into American soccer or back to the Premier League spotlight, one thing is undeniable:

The football world will want him. And after 2026, the feeling may be mutual.