“[Pulisic] was training individually the whole week. Tonight, we have a meeting with our medical staff,” Pochettino revealed, as reported by Ben Jacobs on X. “We will assess the whole group, and tomorrow we will communicate [if he’s going to play]. He’s evolving and much better from Friday.“

Coming off a superb team performance during the USA’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup debut—in which Pulisic was subbed off at the break—the USMNT is ready to put on another outing for the ages against the Socceroos.

However, whether Pulisic is available or not could play a major role. Still, Pochettino has the utmost confidence in the rest of the squad, and even if Pulisic is left out of the lineup as a precaution, the medical staff expect him to return sooner rather than later.

Pulisic could be back for final group-stage match

Amid the uncertainty, however, teammates Tim Weah and Tyler Adams expect Pulisic to play against Australia. Although “Poch” didn’t dare predict if Pulisic would be cleared for the showdown at Seattle Stadium, he did drop a blunt statement. If “Captain America” isn’t active against the Land Down Under, he will certainly be on the lineup to play against The Crescent Stars.

“We will see. If not available [against Australia], he’ll be back for Turkiye,” Pochettino confidently told reporters. “He’s doing a massive effort to be available. For a player that loves their country it’s a massive opportunity to play and win games. So when this happens it’s painful, but Christian is strong with a great mentality.”

For the time being, though, Pulisic’s presence versus Australia remains uncertain. What’s crystal clear, on the other hand, is that the US Men’s National Team needs him. Regardless, the Stars and Stripes can hold their ground. Against Paraguay, they proved they could do just fine without Pulisic. Still, everything feels easier when he’s on the pitch.

USMNT’s remaining fixture in 2026 World Cup

• vs Australia on June 19 at Seattle Stadium at 3:00 p.m. ET.
• vs Turkiye on June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Following Monday’s training session, Jenny Taft of FOX Sports reported that Pochettino provided a positive update on Pulisic.

“Mauricio Pochettino came over to tell us he is good, so a good sign for Christian Pulisic ahead of their match against Australia on Friday,” Taft said, adding that Pulisic had a modified training and did individual work.

Pulisic’s halftime exit in USA’s 2026 World Cup debut raised concern

Pulisic stole the show in the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, helping the team go to the break with a 3-0 lead. However, “Captain America” was nowhere to be seen in the second half.

Pochettino brought some relief by explaining that Pulisic was subbed off as a precautionary measure, pointing to a knock he suffered right before halftime.

USMNT fans breathed an even bigger collective sigh of relief when Pulisic himself provided an update, letting everyone know that it wasn’t something serious.

In fact, the former Chelsea star dared to address his availability for USA vs. Australia. Even though he couldn’t guarantee it 100%, Pulisic suggested that he’d be ready for the USA’s second group stage match.

USA’s next game will be crucial for Group D standings

The USMNT is leading Group D with 3 points and a +3 goal differential thanks to its comprehensive victory over Paraguay, followed by Australia, who upset Turkiye 2-0 on Sunday. The USA and Australia clash on Friday, June 19, at 3:00 PM (ET) at Seattle Stadium.

“He (Pulisic) received a kick at the end of the first half, started to feel tired, didn’t want to take any risks,” Pochettino said during the postgame press conference before Christian Pulisic himself provided an update. Hence, it was all about playing the long game for the manager. He didn’t want to risk losing his best player in a game where Folarin Balogun scored a brace to lead the USA to win over Paraguay.

The USMNT ended up winning comfortably as it showed an intensity Paraguay was not prepared for. Pulisic was at the forefront of that intensity. His speed was too much for Paraguay to handle and in 45 minutes, he swayed the game in USA’s direction. Now, it’s on to the next game against Australia.

This was a much-needed performance by USA

The USMNT didn’t have that much hype coming into the 2026 World Cup. In fact, it lost three of the last four games prior to the tournament starting. The team sometimes looked lost and a bit messy. That was not the case against Paraguay. The team looked like a well-oiled machine.

This also brings plenty of peace and momentum to manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was in the eye of the storm ahead of the tournament. He has reminded everyone why he was one of the most-wanted managers in Europe back in the day.

This win puts the USMNT in prime position for the 2026 World Cup KO stages

A win like this does many wonders for the USMNT. First, it puts all the competition on notice, USA is not here to play lightly, it’s an aggressive team. Then, it not only adds three points to its tally on Group D standings, but with the +3 Goal Difference, it almost secures the USA as a team that will advance to the next stage.

Additional points in the next games will all but ensure it. The USMNT is undoubtedly the most in-form World Cup team to date. Its electric performance was a sight to behold, as it came against Paraguay in what has become one of USA’s biggest wins in FIFA World Cup history. The USMNT made it look easy.

Before taking charge of the USMNT, he built his reputation across Europe with spells at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Chelsea. His most defining chapter came at Tottenham, where he led the club to a Champions League final.

Now at the helm of the United States men’s national soccer team, he is tasked with elevating a young and talented squad into a legitimate global contender. His appointment has raised expectations around the program.

How old is Mauricio Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino is 54 years old, born on March 2, 1972, in Murphy, Argentina. The Argentine coach arrives at the peak of his managerial experience, combining more than a decade of work in Europe.

How tall is Mauricio Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino stands at 1.82 meters (around 6 feet tall). During his playing career as a centre-back, his height gave him a strong physical presence in aerial duels and defensive battles, especially in La Liga and Ligue 1.

When did Mauricio Pochettino take charge of the USA team?

Mauricio Pochettino officially became head coach of the United States Men’s National Team in September 2024, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

He replaced Gregg Berhalter after the US Soccer Federation opted for a high-profile international manager with elite European experience. Since his arrival, he has focused on rebuilding the team’s identity, expanding the player pool.

What is Mauricio Pochettino’s salary in 2026?

Mauricio Pochettino earns $6 million per year as head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in 2026, making him one of the highest-paid national team coaches in world soccer, as USA Today reported.

His contract structure includes a base salary plus performance-related bonuses, with earlier financial disclosures showing he earned over $5 million in his first seven months in charge, combining salary and a signing bonus.

His arrival also came with unusual financial backing from external supporters, helping U.S. soccer compete with top European clubs that previously paid him significantly higher wages—reportedly $10 million per year during his time in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s career highlights

• Espanyol (2009–2012) – First steps as a manager: Pochettino began his coaching career at his former club Espanyol, where he quickly earned attention for his disciplined, high-pressing style. Despite limited resources, he managed to keep the team competitive in La Liga and established his identity as a tactical coach.

• Southampton (2013–2014) – Breakthrough in the Premier League: At Southampton, he made an immediate impact in English soccer, guiding the team to a top-half Premier League finish and building a reputation for developing young talent and implementing aggressive pressing soccer.

• Tottenham Hotspur (2014–2019) – Champions League finalist and elite status: His most defining spell came at Tottenham, where he transformed the club into a top-four regular in the Premier League. The highlight was reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, along with a historic second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017.

• Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2022) – Domestic dominance in France: At PSG, he won major domestic trophies including Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions, managing world-class stars like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe.

• Chelsea (2023–2024) – Premier League rebuilding project: Pochettino led a young Chelsea squad through a transition season, improving results in the second half of the campaign and finishing in European qualification spots before departing by mutual agreement.

• United States Men’s National Team (2024–present) – World Cup 2026 mission: In 2024, he took charge of the USMNT ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first Argentine coach in the role. His mission is to elevate the United States into a serious contender on home soil and beyond the Round of 16 barrier.

Per James Horncastle of The Athletic, Pochettino met with AC Milan representatives last week during USMNT’s camp in Georgia. AC Milan are going through a complete overhaul after a second-half season collapse that saw them miss the Champions League spots. Now they need someone to take the reins as Massimiliano Allegri was fired by the Italian club.

Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT expires after the World Cup. Hence, the 54-year-old might be seeking pastures new already, signaling that he is not interested in staying.

Mauricio Pochettino is not the only candidate for AC Milan

Horncastle also mentions in his report that Pochettino is not the frontrunner for the Milan job. That spot belongs to Andoni Iraola, who had an excellent tenure with AFC Bournemouth, but decided to leave hoping for a step up. Iraola has also been in contact with AC Milan.

Iraola and Pochettino’s style vary heavily. Andoni Iraola’s philosophy focuses on extreme verticality and aggressive pressing, whereas Mauricio Pochettino prefers a more possession-oriented and positional-play style.

Mauricio Pochettino’s stock has fallen massively

There was a time where Pochettino was looked upon as one of the best managers in world soccer. However, he had failed stints at PSG (France) and Chelsea (UK). After that, he took the job as manager of the United States, where he hasn’t impressed either.

For the USMNT, Pochettino has a record of 13 wins, two draws, and nine losses. That is not good enough for the expectations he brought when hired. Still, it seems like AC Milan are at least intrigued by the prospect of him being their new manager.

Following a lackluster 2-0 loss to a Portugal side that rested Cristiano Ronaldo, Pochettino didn’t mince words about the talent gap his squad currently faces.

“Belgium and Portugal both have players in that ‘top 100’ tier, players performing at the highest elite level. Right now, I don’t think we have that,” Pochettino told reporters. “We have to be honest about where we are if we want to bridge that gap before June.”

A depleted roster or a deeper issue?

While the results were sobering, the USMNT was far from full strength. A localized “injury crisis” in the backline forced Pochettino into experimental lineups, including playing winger Tim Weah at right-back to counter the pace of Belgium’s Jeremy Doku.

The list of absentees for the March window reads like a “who’s who” of the American starting XI:

• Chris Richards (Crystal Palace): Knee inflammation forced him out of camp.
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati): Groin injury sustained during training in Atlanta.
• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven): Still sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue from early March.
• James Sands (NYCFC): Ruled out for the season; his World Cup hopes are effectively over.
• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth): The captain missed the window entirely with a quad injury.
• Antonee “Jedi” Robinson (Fulham): While in camp, the left-back was kept on a strict “minutes restriction.”

Despite the “growing talent” narrative often touted by U.S. Soccer, conceding five goals to Belgium and failing to find the net against Portugal’s B-team highlights a lack of depth that could prove fatal in the group stages.

The road to the final 26

The clock is officially ticking. Pochettino now has less than two months to evaluate his options before the May 30 deadline to submit his final World Cup roster.

Insiders expect the formal announcement to come between May 26 and May 28, just ahead of the team’s final tune-up matches against Senegal and Germany. For the players on the bubble, the “reality check” in Atlanta may have been the final deciding factor in whether they make the flight to the World Cup opener.

“If I’m the player, I say, ‘Why are you calling me with bad news?’” Pochettino said regarding the upcoming roster cuts. “If they need to call me, I am very open to explaining… but of course, it’s going to be a very sad process making these decisions.”

The atmosphere around the squad is growing increasingly tense. Between USMNT legend Landon Donovan publicly questioning teenager Noahkai Banks’ commitment after he declined a recent call-up, and the fallout from this five-goal collapse, Pochettino is navigating a locker room under fire just months before the tournament kicks off.

Even former manager Gregg Berhalter, now with the Chicago Fire, noted Pochettino’s previous bold claims to Donald Trump that the U.S. can win it all. After the Belgian masterclass, however, the U.S. status as a tournament favorite is facing its harshest scrutiny yet.

Who is missing from the camp?

Pochettino’s recent comments have cast a long shadow over several regular starters who were left out of this international window. Whether due to injury or tactical preference, the following players face a steep climb back into the World Cup picture:

• The medical room: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth, quad), Sergino Dest (PSV, hamstring), Haji Wright (Coventry City, groin), and James Sands (NYCFC, ankle surgery) all remain sidelined.
• Fitness concerns: Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
• Tactical shocks: Yunus Musah (Atalanta).
• The “fringe” list: Lennard Maloney, Kristoffer Lund, Patrick Agyemang and Folarin Balogun.

The road ahead

The U.S. have little time to lick their wounds. Their next test comes against Portugal in the final leg of this international window.

It is a massive opportunity to silence the critics and prove that the Belgian disaster was an outlier rather than a preview of their World Cup exit. With the pressure to perform on home soil reaching a fever pitch, a statement win is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

“I love it,“ Berhalter replied to Bolavip at a press conference before Chicago‘s MLS game against the Columbus Crew. “I mean, that’s the mentality we need, right? We go into any tournament, and you believe you can win. And I think that’s the most important thing for the mindset of any group entering a tournament.

“Because, in reality, anything is possible, right? In theory, on any given day, we can beat any team in the world. So, you know, when you get to through the group, and hopefully we will, it’s a knockout phase, and it really is about the day, the form of the day. So, you know, I’m excited at that statement. I think it shows intention,” Berhalter continued.

“The group has had World Cup experience, the majority of that group. So they understand what a World Cup is like. We’ll have the home fans behind us, and I think it’s a great mindset to go into the World Cup with.”

Berhalter, of course, is very familiar with the USMNT roster, having coached the Stars and Stripes until 2024. With him at the helm, the USA reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (Netherlands won that game 3-1 before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Argentina).

What Pochettino told President Trump about the USA’s World Cup mindset

With the tournament taking place in North America this year, all eyes will be on whether Pochettino can lead the team further on home soil. The Argentine-born manager appears to have enough confidence to do so.

During a recent appearance on The High Performance Podcast, Pochettino shed light into a conversation with President Donald Trump about the USA’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.

“At the draw of the World Cup, I met Donald Trump for a few minutes. He asked me, ‘What do you think coach? Can you win the World Cup?’ I said, ‘Of course, Mr. President’. Because it’s the USA. The American dream is there. The American culture is about being first, being number one,” Pochettino said.

“When we accepted the challenge to go there, it was because we really believe that we can win (the World Cup). After a year and a half working there, people start to feel that we can win. The last few camps in October and November… we competed against very good teams and we started to show that possibility to perform well.

“We are going to have the support of a massive country and all its fans. To try and push us to run, score goals, and make tackles. I think that will be a massive boost for us,” Pochettino added.

The USMNT’s form ahead of 2026 World Cup

Riding on a five-game unbeaten run, the USMNT has been in promising form as of late, boasting 14 wins in its last 22 appearances. On top of that, it took down the likes of Uruguay and Paraguay in November, boosting the country’s hopes. Paraguay will be one of the USA’s group stage opponents at the 2026 World Cup, with Australia and the UEFA Playoff C winner completing Group D.

When the U.S. Soccer Federation turned to Mauricio Pochettino in 2025, it wasn’t just hiring a tactician—it was making a statement. A marquee name for a program with rising ambitions and unfinished business.

Fresh off stints at PSG and Chelsea, the Argentine manager arrived with pedigree, pressure and a paycheck to match. The deal marked a shift in how the soccer federation values international leadership and what it’s willing to pay for it.

His salary has drawn attention both at home and abroad, sparking comparisons with past USMNT coaches and global heavyweights. But beyond the numbers, it’s the expectations that truly define the contract.

How long will Mauricio Pochettino be at USMNT?

Mauricio Pochettino inked a two‑year contract when he took charge of the U.S. Men’s National Team back in September 2024, with his term running through the 2026 World Cup on home soil. So, he still has a little more than a year left.

The deal was carefully structured: FIFA’s build‑up schedule around the World Cup gives him just enough time to implement his high‑intensity style while leaving room for renewal if he delivers on expectations.

Behind the scenes, U.S. Soccer inserted a sizeable buy‑out clause to protect against poaching by a major European club, signaling their intent to keep him through the tournament cycle.

What is Mauricio Pochettino’s salary at USMNT?

Mauricio Pochettino earns a reported $6 million per year, making him the highest‑paid head coach in USMNT history—nearly triple the $2.3 million earned annually by predecessor Gregg Berhalter, according to ESPN.

This hefty sum is underpinned by the Federation and donors: hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin and partner Scott Goodwin funded much of the package as part of a “philanthropic leadership gift” earmarked for elite-level coaching.

The investment marks a sharp turn for U.S. Soccer, reflecting a strategic commitment to elite leadership and signaling that they’re willing to pay top dollar for international pedigree.

In an interview with GOAL, Mauricio Pochettino took part in a challenge where he had to describe players in one word. He called Neymar a “Magician.” Pochettino also mentioned Messi, describing him as a “Genius.” Even Kylian Mbappe was included and labeled as a “Killer.”

Nevertheless, the biggest surprise came when Pochettino named Marco Verratti the best soccer player he has ever seen. This was surprising because Pochettino had shared a dressing room with Ronaldinho before becoming a coach. He had the opportunity to play alongside and manage some of the game’s greatest talents. That’s why his choice of the Italian midfielder caught many off guard.

Verratti left a lasting legacy at PSG. He became one of the club’s most influential players of the decade. The Italian was among the first signings made after Qatar took ownership of Paris Saint-Germain. Verratti arrived as a promising youngster from the humble Italian club Pescara. Eventually Marco earned the captain’s armband, further cementing his legacy at PSG.

During his time in Europe, top clubs like FC Barcelona showed strong interest in signing him for a massive fee. However, PSG refused to sell him. Then, Verratti became a true symbol of the club playing 276 games for the club.

How Mauricio Pochettino handled coaching Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe?

Mauricio Pochettino took Tottenham to the pinnacle of European soccer, leading them to the Champions League final. However, they fell short, losing to Liverpool. After five years at the club, Pochettino parted ways with Tottenham. Following a two-year break from coaching, Paris Saint-Germain hired him to manage a star-studded squad featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar.

Despite having a luxury attacking trio, Mauricio Pochettino failed to achieve the club’s objective: to win the Champions League. Beyond the titles, his team never managed to perform well. His game did not have a clear identity like the Tottenham he managed. Despite this, Pochettino won three titles in two seasons, his only trophies as a manager.

Mauricio Pochettino earns praise for his impressive work as USMNT coach

Mauricio Pochettino has only coached six games with the USMNT, but his impact is already noticeable. He has suffered just one loss, falling to Mexico, while implementing an impressive attacking style. Despite missing key stars like Yunus Musah, Max Tillman, and Christian Pulisic, he has maximized the talent of young players such as Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic.

The USMNT’s future looks bright, with several young players already competing in Europe and local talent proving they can step up when given the opportunity. While there is still work to be done, the team’s progress under Pochettino is already showing promising results.

In a press conference ahead of Saturday’s friendly match between the United States and Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, a journalist inquired: “We’re in Miami—before you leave, are you planning to speak to Leo Messi’s sons and convince them to play for the U.S. National Team?”

Pochettino laughed and quickly responded, “No, no. No way. I appreciate the joke, it’s a good one. Having Messi on your team is anyone’s dream, of course.” However, when the journalist clarified that he was referring to Messi’s children and not the soccer icon himself, Mauricio’s response shifted.

“Ah, I thought you meant Leo. Ah, his children—to naturalize them as Americans. Well, we could talk,” Pochettino said, before acknowledging the challenges such a scenario would present. “The thing is, maybe I’ll be too old by the time the kids are ready for the senior national team. I likely won’t be there, but sure, it would be interesting—why not?”

However, the USMNT coach tempered his response by expressing doubt about the likelihood of Messi’s sons choosing the U.S. over Argentina. “Considering they’re Leo’s children, with Argentine blood running through their veins, I think it would be difficult to convince them to play for the United States,” he added.

How old are Messi’s children?

While the journalist’s question was likely more playful than serious, Pochettino’s remarks were grounded in reality. Indeed, it will be many years before Messi’s children are old enough to make a decision about their international careers.

Thiago, Messi’s oldest son, turned 12 in November and is already playing for Inter Miami’s youth teams. Mateo, the second-oldest, is 9, and Ciro, the youngest, is just 6. With these ages in mind, it will be quite some time before we see them don the colors of any national team.

Additionally, when the time comes, Messi’s sons will face the challenge of choosing which national team to represent. While both of their parents are Argentine, granting them the option to follow in Lionel’s footsteps, they were all born in Spain, making them eligible to represent the current European champions as well.

Pochettino and Messi: A shared history

Beyond their shared Argentine heritage, Pochettino and Messi have history together. Pochettino was Messi’s coach at Paris Saint-Germain during his first season in France, where the duo secured the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title. However, their campaign in the UEFA Champions League ended in disappointment with a round-of-16 exit to Real Madrid, which ultimately led to Pochettino’s departure at the end of that season.