Just 15 days before the United States kicks off the 2026 World Cup on home soil, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino met with AC Milan representatives about the Serie A club's vacant coaching position, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic first reported Thursday that Pochettino held discussions with Milan officials about potentially taking over the Rossoneri, who recently fired Massimiliano Allegri after failing to secure Champions League qualification for next season. The timing—with the U.S. set to face Paraguay on June 12 to open World Cup play—has raised eyebrows across American soccer.
But U.S. Soccer appears unfazed by their coach exploring post-tournament opportunities. CEO JT Batson dismissed concerns about Pochettino's commitment to the national team ahead of the most important tournament in USMNT history.
"Mauricio and the entire team has been incredibly transparent the entire process," Batson told The Athletic. "Even when we first met a couple summers ago, there were lots of other people interested in having Mauricio and [his staff] join. He had standing offers from other places to come, and he wanted to be here."
Batson emphasized Pochettino's belief in U.S. Soccer's direction: "He's a big believer in what we're doing at U.S. Soccer, he's a big believer in soccer in America and he's a big believer in this men's team."
Contract Situation Creates Opening
Pochettino's contract with the United States Soccer Federation expires following the 2026 World Cup, making him a free agent after the tournament concludes. The Argentine coach was hired in 2024 after Gregg Berhalter's controversial second stint ended with a group-stage exit at Copa America on U.S. soil.
The 52-year-old coach has managed at the highest levels of European football, including stints with Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. The USMNT role represents his first foray into international management after building his reputation in club football.
Milan's interest comes as the Italian giants seek a fresh start following a disappointing campaign. The seven-time European champions missed out on Champions League qualification, prompting the dismissal of Allegri and a broader organizational restructuring.
Players Back Their Coach
USMNT winger Tim Weah, speaking from the team's training camp in Fayetteville, Georgia, said the Milan meeting doesn't concern the squad.
"It doesn't bother us," Weah said. "I'm someone that lives in present day, and right now he's here and we're working with him. It's an amazing feeling having such a prestigious coach coaching us."
Weah added that the team remains focused on supporting Pochettino through the World Cup: "Whatever he decides to do after is what the coach decides, and we're here to support him. He's here to support us, and we're just living in the present and making sure that we do our job."
Historical Precedent Looms
The situation draws comparisons to Julen Lopetegui's dismissal from the Spanish national team before the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Spain fired Lopetegui just days before the tournament after he agreed to take over Real Madrid, with the Spanish FA citing concerns about his commitment.
However, Pochettino's situation differs significantly. While Lopetegui had already agreed to the Madrid job, Pochettino merely held exploratory talks with Milan. The meeting occurred before the U.S. team entered intensive World Cup preparation, rather than during training camp.
CBS Sports reported that former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola remains the frontrunner for the Milan position, though he reportedly prefers opportunities at Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen. Milan has also met with Ralf Rangnick about a technical director role, which could influence their coaching decision.
World Cup Pressure Mounts
The timing adds another layer of intrigue to what's already the most pressure-packed tournament in USMNT history. Playing on home soil with a golden generation of American talent, expectations have never been higher for the men's national team.
Pochettino inherited a squad featuring Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Yunus Musah—players who have established themselves at top European clubs. The coach's task is to meld that talent into a cohesive unit capable of advancing deep into the tournament.
The U.S. will face Senegal and Germany in pre-tournament friendlies before opening Group D play against Paraguay on June 12. The Americans also face Bolivia and Morocco in group stage matches, with advancement to the knockout rounds considered the minimum expectation.
Matt Crocker, the sporting director who brought Pochettino to U.S. Soccer, has already departed for a similar role with Saudi Arabia ahead of their 2034 World Cup hosting duties. His exit means U.S. Soccer will need to navigate both the tournament and potential coaching changes with new leadership.
For now, both Pochettino and U.S. Soccer maintain their focus remains squarely on the World Cup. Whether the coach's future lies in Serie A or extends with the national team will likely depend on how the next month unfolds on American soil.
