Mauricio Pochettino, who signed a contract extension with US Soccer in August, has outlined ambitions that extend well beyond simply guiding the men's national team to the 2030 World Cup. Two months after the USMNT's disappointing exit from their home World Cup, the Argentinian coach says he wants to help transform the United States into "one of the most powerful countries in soccer", taking on an expanded role that includes influence over youth development, coaching education and professional league collaboration as US Soccer undergoes a significant restructuring.

The federation is currently filling two new director roles overseeing the men's and women's senior and youth programmes, a process Pochettino says he is keen to assist with, while stressing the appointments "can't just be my guy". The US will play four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in the coming weeks, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and a possible Copa América appearance also on the horizon. Pochettino also addressed forward Folarin Balogun's collapsed deadline-day move from Monaco to Everton, saying he plans to speak with the player after giving him space to process the disappointment.