The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and with March on the horizon, the USMNT will continue to prepare by playing more friendly matches during international breaks.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will soon make decisions on the squad and choose players who will be a part of the 2026 World Cup roster.
While the focus in these months will be on preparing for the World Cup, a former USMNT defender has given his opinion on Pochettino after the World Cup. Alexi Lalas went on social media to express that his future at the USMNT is not guaranteed.
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Pochettino became the USMNT head coach in late 2024, and with a full year in charge ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Lalas is not fully convinced the Argentine head coach should have a long-term future at the national team.
Alexi Lalas on Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT Future
On X, Alexi Lalas was asked questions from fans, and one of them was about a potential contract extension for Marucio Pochettino in the USMNT.
Lalas is open to Pochettino staying on as the USMNT head coach after the World Cup, but he believes the manager should not have his contract renewed before the tournament begins.
In response to a potential contract extension for Pochettino before the 2026 World Cup, Lalas said, "No. Pochettino was hired for one thing… success at the 2026 home World Cup. That should be what he’s judged on. I have no problem if he continues after the World Cup, but that decision should be made in the context of the World Cup performance."