Pochettino’s Future: A Potential Move to AC Milan?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is preparing for a significant transition. His contract with the USMNT will expire by the time the tournament concludes, and there are growing rumors that he may be looking for new opportunities in his coaching career.
According to multiple reports, the 54-year-old Argentine has already met with representatives from AC Milan, one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs. The club recently announced the departure of its head coach, Massimiliano Allegri, following a disappointing failure to qualify for the next season’s UEFA Champions League. This decision was part of a larger restructuring at the club, which also saw the exit of sporting director Igli Tare, chief executive Giorgio Furlani, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.
Pochettino is not the only name being linked with the vacant position at AC Milan. Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth as a free agent, was previously considered a strong contender for the role. However, recent reports from Sky Sports suggest that Iraola is no longer interested in joining Milan. Instead, he is leaning towards potential moves to either Liverpool or German club Bayer Leverkusen.
Pochettino’s Possible Next Steps
Despite these developments, Pochettino has expressed openness to continuing his tenure with the US national team beyond the 2026 World Cup. However, the possibility of a move away from the USMNT has been circulating for some time. In the past, rumors suggested a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur, but Pochettino dismissed these claims when asked by the Daily Mail in June 2023.
This year, he was also linked with the managerial position at Real Madrid before the Spanish club pursued Jose Mourinho. These connections highlight the ongoing interest in Pochettino’s coaching abilities and his reputation as one of the most respected figures in modern football.
A New Chapter for Pochettino
Pochettino joined the USMNT in September 2024 after the US Soccer Federation made the decision to part ways with previous coach Gregg Berhalter following a group stage exit at the Copa America that summer. Prior to his appointment with the national team, he had left Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season, where he guided the club to a sixth-place finish.
His managerial journey began at Spanish side Espanyol, where he gained valuable experience before moving on to manage Southampton, Tottenham, and Paris Saint-Germain. Each of these roles helped shape his career and solidify his status as a top-tier football manager.
As the future unfolds, Pochettino’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to remain with the USMNT or pursue an opportunity abroad, his impact on the world of football is undeniable. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where his career takes him next.
