The United States may have fallen short in the Round of 16, but this World Cup is still a step in the right direction for the USMNT. Advancing out of the group stage and earning a knockout round victory before running into a talented Belgium side shows this young team is making progress and is building a stronger foundation for the future.
More importantly, the tournament proves that Mauricio Pochettino is the right manager to lead this program. The players compete with greater organization, confidence, and intensity under his leadership, and the team shows signs of developing a clear identity. While there is still work to do, the overall direction of the program is far more encouraging than it has been in recent years.
The USSF should now do everything in its power to bring Pochettino back. Stability is critical with another World Cup cycle ahead, and changing managers again would risk slowing the progress this group has made. Keeping Pochettino in charge gives the United States its best chance to continue growing and becoming a legitimate contender on the international stage.
