Pochettino Expected to Improve for 2030 World Cup

Following Pochettino's contract extension with the U.S. men's national team, Lalas emphasized that success is measured by winning knockout stage matches, particularly the round of 16. "Where he is again going to be judged is if he is going to get us to that rarefied air and that promised land," Lalas stated on his "State of the Union" podcast.

The analyst stressed that if the team had beaten Belgium in the recent tournament, criticisms about American soccer would have subsided. "That final judgment will come four years from now," Lalas said, expressing support for keeping Pochettino through upcoming competitions including Concacaf Nations League, Gold Cup, and possibly the 2028 Copa América. djcc.club