Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — U.S. Soccer remains in discussions about extending head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff, despite the men’s national team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup.Speaking to reporters Thursday, U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General JT Batson said he was optimistic about the possibility of the Argentine manager continuing with the team for the near future. Pochettino and the U.S. were eliminated in the round of 16 after a lopsided 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle.“From a men’s national team coaching standpoint, we’re in active discussions with Mauricio and staff about the future,” Batson said. “We all share a belief that the best days of U.S. Soccer are ahead of us, and they’re excited about the opportunity to impact soccer at all levels in every community.”According to Batson, Pochettino and his staff have been involved in the federation’s “long-term planning” and how improvements can be made from the youth level to the senior side. One such instance involved the recent hiring of Steve Cherundolo as the coach of the men’s Olympic team.“We’re excited about the discussions,” Batson said. “And, you know, (Pochettino’s staff) has been active about long-term planning. As a recent example, (they) were active in our discussions with Steve around the U-23 role and were a key part of that process. And so we’re feeling good about where we are overall.”Why Is Grassroots Football So Expensive In The U.S?Christopher HamillBatson did not comment on whether U.S. Soccer has had conversations with other head coaching candidates, nor did he specify when a decision on Pochettino would be made.