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Mauricio Pochettino Clarifies USMNT Future Amid Tottenham Hotspur Links

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 2:13 PM ET

U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur in recent days. Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the matter.

On Feb. 11, the Spurs announced the permanent dismissal of Thomas Frank, and on Feb. 14, they communicated that Igor Tudor would take charge of the squad for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Before announcing Tudor, Pochettino was widely linked with Tottenham. This did not stop, even though the club already has a new coach, because the Croatian will be on the bench only until the current campaign ends.

Speaking to Men In Blazers, Fabrizio Romano was asked about the USMNT coach's situation and the possibility of his return to the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States, during an international friendly match between the United States and Paraguay at Subaru Park on November 15, 2025, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Photo by Ira L. Black/USSF/Getty Images

Fabrizio Romano Breaks Silence on Pochettino's USMNT Commitment Amid Tottenham Speculation

"Pochettino, can he leave possibly the national team?" Romano was asked, to which he responded, "Now Pochettino is completely focused on the USMNT."

"It's obviously an incredible opportunity to be the coach at the World Cup in the U.S. He's aware of interest from Tottenham," he added.

Despite his initial response, the transfer expert did not rule out the Argentine coach leaving the USMNT after the World Cup, leaving Roberto De Zerbi and him as the clear favorites to take charge of Tottenham from the 2026-27 season.

"At the moment, if you ask me, I think it's really, let's say, 40-40 between Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino, and then we leave a 20% to eventual other managers who can appear in the shortlist in the next weeks and months," Romano said.

"Mauricio Pochettino is completely focused on the USMNT ... Pochettino is aware of interest from Tottenham." @FabrizioRomano on the rumors linking USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a return to Tottenham ️ @MenInBlazers pic.twitter.com/SStFWRoqAc
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) February 19, 2026

"But Pochettino is aware about the situation, aware about Tottenham fans that are still chanting his name. So for sure, there is an interest from Tottenham and the environment is still thinking of Mauricio Pochettino. But at the moment, full focus on the USMNT."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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