Mauricio Pochettino Extends Contract as U.S. Men’s National Team Coach

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to remain the head coach of U.S. Soccer’s men’s national team until the 2030 World Cup. The announcement was made on Monday. This decision follows shortly after the 54-year-old Argentine guided the U.S. team to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted in the United States.

JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of U.S. Soccer, highlighted the importance of Pochettino’s continuing role. Mauricio and his team believe in the potential of soccer in the United States, and our new project allows us to build on the progress of the USMNT, Batson stated. We are committed to working hard to achieve our clear ambitions, including winning Men’s World Cups and making soccer the most played sport in every community.

Before taking charge of the U.S. men’s team in 2024, Pochettino’s coaching career included stints with high-profile clubs like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Although he had not led a national team prior, his overall record was 15 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw before the 2026 World Cup. Despite mixed results earlier, his attacking style was praised, especially after the U.S. team won its group and set a record for goals scored in the tournament. The team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 but exited in the round of 16 following a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

After the World Cup, Pochettino expressed satisfaction with his collaboration with U.S. Soccer’s leadership. He embraced his role and connected with U.S. fans by singing the team’s anthem, John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads, after matches. This new contract secures a respected coach for U.S. Soccer as they look to continue building on recent improvements.

Pochettino commented in July on the progress of the team, stating, I am so proud because in one year, this team showed that we can play, we can compete. We need to keep improving. Though the financial details of the new contract remain undisclosed, Pochettino’s initial agreement was worth around $6 million annually, supported by private investors like Ken Griffin.