Freese Urges US Soccer To Retain Pochettino After World Cup Exit

United States goalkeeper Matt Freese has thrown his support behind Mauricio Pochettino remaining as head coach of the US men’s national team following their exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Pochettino’s contract with U.S. Soccer expired after the tournament, leaving uncertainty over his future as the Americans begin preparations for the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Freese, who was the USMNT’s first-choice goalkeeper during the tournament, praised the Argentine manager for giving him his international breakthrough and instilling belief within the squad.

“I would love for him to stay,” Freese told ESPN. “He gave me an opportunity and really gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m so grateful for that.”

The goalkeeper credited the former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss with changing the team’s mentality during his spell in charge.

“I think he succeeded in getting this team and this country to believe,” Freese said. “That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Despite his desire to see Pochettino remain, Freese admitted the highly-rated coach is likely to attract interest from several top clubs and national teams.

“I know he will have many suitors and many teams, many clubs, wanting to work with him,” he said. “And I’m just a player, so I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The United States enjoyed a promising campaign, finishing top of Group D before progressing to the knockout stage. However, their World Cup journey ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, a result Freese described as “devastating”.

The shot-stopper said the disappointment has only strengthened the squad’s determination to return stronger at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Freese is set to rejoin Major League Soccer side New York City FC on July 22, with his immediate focus now on maintaining his form and earning another opportunity to represent his country on football’s biggest stage.

“The first thing is a feeling of hunger to be back there,” he said. “I want to do it again, but to do it better, go further and win that trophy.”