Mauricio Pochettino, now the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, remains focused on preparing for the 2026 World Cup while keeping an eye on his former Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur. Despite Spurs flirting with relegation, Pochettino expressed confidence in the club’s ability to survive, emphasizing the quality of the players and the passion of the fans. Ahead of the U.S.’s upcoming friendly against Portugal, the former Spurs manager reflected on his connections with the London club while reaffirming his commitment to the national team.
Pochettino Confident in Tottenham’s Survival
Tottenham currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, following a turbulent season that has already seen two managerial changes. Speaking from Atlanta, Pochettino acknowledged his deep ties to the club: “With my connections to Tottenham, it’s impossible to feel nothing wrong about the club or the people or the fans. It was one of the best experiences in my life.”
He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to remain in the top flight, highlighting the players’ talent and the energy generated by the fans. “I am sure they’re going to stay up with a coach or without a coach, because of the players ... with the fans that they’re going to create the energy to win,” Pochettino said. Despite the club parting ways with Igor Tudor after just seven games, he believes Tottenham has the resources and spirit to secure Premier League safety.
Future Rumors: Pochettino and the Premier League
While Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer runs through the World Cup, speculation has emerged about a potential return to European football, including a possible return to Tottenham. The coach admitted that he misses the English top flight but stressed that he is currently focused entirely on his national team duties.
We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2026
Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.
We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their… pic.twitter.com/I6HUdLdewL
“We are very here at the World Cup, and I think everyone knows that I’m committed to the national team here, so I think it’s not a point to talk about the future at the moment,” he said. However, he left the door slightly open for a post-World Cup move: “Who knows what is going to happen ... If we are happy and the U.S. Soccer Federation is happy, then we will see.”
USMNT Prepares for Portugal After Belgium Setback
The U.S. team is coming off a disappointing 5–2 defeat to Belgium, ending a five-match unbeaten streak. With the 2026 World Cup approaching on home soil, Pochettino is prioritizing preparations, including friendlies against Portugal, Germany, and Senegal. Group D action kicks off against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, followed by matches against Australia in Seattle and either Türkiye or Kosovo on June 25.
Currently ranked 16th in the FIFA World Rankings, Pochettino aims to help the U.S. bounce back quickly and continue building momentum ahead of the World Cup, while balancing the bittersweet emotions of seeing his former club navigate a challenging Premier League season.
