Mauricio Pochettino finds himself at a pivotal moment in his coaching career. His current contract with the United States men’s national team is set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that will also mark the end of his immediate commitment to the USMNT.
A manager at a crossroads
Among the most talked‑about possibilities is a move to AC Milan. The Italian club have already been in contact with the Argentine tactician, even arranging a meeting in Georgia in May, as they evaluate whether to appoint him if their primary target, Andoni Iraola, cannot be secured.
England holds a particular allure for Pochettino. He has spoken repeatedly about his affection for English football culture and his desire to return to the Premier League. Yet the task would not be straightforward, given that Thomas Tuchel, the present England manager, recently extended his own deal through 2028.
In the Premier League, the vacancy landscape is narrow. Crystal Palace and Manchester City stand as the only clubs currently searching for a new head coach, a fact that could shape the options available to the Argentine should he decide to make the move.
Real Madrid have also been linked with Pochettino, but recent reports suggest that José Mourinho now tops the list of candidates for the Spanish giants. Nevertheless, the possibility of a Bernabéu adventure remains a point of speculation.
In Argentina, the name of Pochettino surfaces whenever there is talk of a potential change at the helm of the national side. Should Lionel Scaloni’s contract not be renewed, the former Espanyol manager could be considered, especially given the influence of Lionel Messi and the expectations of a nation that reveres tactical acumen.
Pochettino has also hinted at the prospect of remaining with the USMNT beyond the 2026 tournament. Such a decision would allow him to continue shaping the development of American soccer while potentially building on the progress made during his tenure.
A return to Tottenham Hotspur offers a nostalgic narrative. The club where he once led the team to a Champions League final could again become his destination, especially as the club’s ambitions align with the coach’s own competitive standards.