USMNT fans worried Mauricio Pochettino is ‘checked out’ before World Cup with AC Milan report originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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When the USMNT secured Mauricio Pochettino as its next head coach, the excitement was palpable. Pochettino managed Tottenham to its first Champions League Final and PSG to a Ligue 1 title.
But this excitement has quickly turned to skepticism. It’s been revealed that Pochettino is a candidate in AC Milan’s coaching search. The Italian juggernaut is looking for a successor to Massimiliano Allegri after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The last thing fans want to hear is that their coach is out there looking for a new job. While he will serve the rest of his term with the USMNT regardless of the AC Milan offer, some fans are worried about Pochettino being checked out.
Here’s why fans are concerned about Pochettino’s commitment to the role.
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Why USMNT fans are worried Mauricio Pochettino is ‘checked out’
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows when the team first hired Pochettino, and fans have grown increasingly frustrated with his leadership and decision-making. Some speculate that he just needed any coaching opportunity when he signed on with the team and he remains in that mindset.
Disastrous hire. This guy never wanted to be here, he just needed a job. Never tried to connect the players and was doing job interviews leading up to the World Cup https://t.co/i0RL2dagck
— Blake Krass (@BlakeyLocks) May 28, 2026
There will be major pressure on the U.S. team to deliver on home soil. Fans expect major things out of Pochettino and exploring other roles in his free time is not what they like to hear from their coach.
There are a few truths here.
1) He was always planning to leave, despite what he may have said before.
2) Not the first time he’s thrown his hat into the ring while managing the #USMNT.
3) This is a terrible look, even the Pochettino apologist would have to admit it. https://t.co/DN8O3uJb1o
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) May 28, 2026
Other fans, however, believe that this news is no surprise, and that Pochettino was never meant to be a long-term mainstay.
People complaining about Pochettino looking at his next move need a reality check. There’s no way folks honestly thought that this was going to be a long term project.
A coach with his name and resume is always going to have clubs at his door. Modern football is a business.… pic.twitter.com/T44R9v8YS8
— Daniel Solana (@DiceElDani) May 28, 2026
As a result of this backlash from fans, US Soccer CEO JT Batson answered reporters’ questions on the matter. In this, he stressed that Pochettino has been honest and not hidden anything from the US Soccer Federation.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson just met with reporters to address The Athletic’s report that Mauricio Pochettino met with AC Milan. Stressed that Pochettino has been transparent with the federation and is focused on its long-term success, but declined to get into specific details.
— Ethan Sears (@ethan_sears) May 28, 2026
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Is Mauricio Pochettino leaving USMNT after World Cup?
Yes, Pochettino is expected to leave the team after the World Cup. His contract is set to expire in September, meaning it will carry him through the end of the World Cup.
After that, Pochettino will look elsewhere. By that logic, he already has, as he spoke with AC Milan about their coaching vacancy. There is no defined next step for Pochettino, but he is already in the mix in one location.
Mauricio Pochettino AC Milan rumors
An initial report from Nicolo Schira reported that Pochettino will leave the USMNT after the World Cup. He has also been offered to AC Milan as a potential coaching replacement, the report went on to say.
Mauricio #Pochettino will leave #USA National Team after the World Cup. He has been offered to #ACMilan by an intermediary in the last hours. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 27, 2026
Former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is believed to be the favorite to fill the vacancy. That being said, Pochettino is still in the mix. There is no specific timeline on when the next head coach will be determined.
Mauricio Pochettino contract
After signing a two-year deal in September 2024, Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT does not last much longer.
The head coach’s contract lasts through the end of the World Cup, with Pochettino reportedly departing after its conclusion.
Pochettino is earning $6 million a year under this contract. This makes him the highest-paid coach in the history of the USMNT.