Four more years: Despite a disappointing round‑of‑16 exit to Belgium, Mauricio Pochettino has signed a 4‑year contract to keep the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. ESPN experts weighed in on his first two years, noting his enforcement of accountability, the cohesive style that maximized player athleticism, and a culture shift that raised competition and passion.

They highlighted his successes—bringing in new talent, improving the game’s intensity, and elevating the squad’s identity—while pointing out areas for growth. Pochettino must manage expectations, accept the realities of American soccer culture, and maintain consistency against stronger opponents. A concern remains whether European clubs might lure him away; the USSF’s contract terms and the lack of attractive offers make a departure less likely.

The experts agree that keeping the USMNT competitive will hinge on balancing aggressive play with defensive solidity, and on integrating dual‑national talent before qualification and the 2025 Gold Cup. With a clear plan and robust backup, the USMNT can build on the momentum from the World Cup era.