Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a four-year contract extension to remain head coach of the United States men’s national team, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday. The deal keeps the 54-year-old Argentine in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
The announcement came less than a month after the USMNT was eliminated by Belgium in a 4-1 Round of 16 defeat in Seattle. Pochettino had originally joined U.S. Soccer in October 2024 on a two-year deal, replacing Gregg Berhalter following a poor Copa America exit.
What Happened at the 2026 World Cup
The tournament produced genuine highs before a damaging finish. The US won its group with a game to spare, recorded three wins in a single World Cup for the first time, and opened with a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay. The team also beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 before Belgium ended the run emphatically.
Pochettino told reporters via Zoom from Barcelona that the gap to the world’s top nations is narrower than the scoreline suggested, and that the squad demonstrated it has the talent to compete. He acknowledged the squad still needs depth improvements at goalkeeper and central defence heading into the next cycle.
Contract Terms and Expanded Role
Financial details were not disclosed, though The Guardian reports Pochettino is expected to earn more than the $6 million per year he received under his previous arrangement, which was already the largest salary paid to a U.S. head coach. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who funded the original deal, is again expected to be the primary financial backer.
The role is an expanded one. Pochettino and his staff will focus primarily on the senior national team while also advising the federation on youth development, coaching education, player pathways, and collaboration with professional leagues.
U.S. Soccer’s Case for Keeping Him
U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson said in a statement that Pochettino and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States, and that the new arrangement builds on progress already made. Batson stated the federation’s ambitions include competing to win a Men’s World Cup and growing soccer into the most-played sport in every American community.
Pochettino, speaking about the fans and the atmosphere at the tournament, said the connection with supporters was a key factor in his decision to stay. He views the next four years as a fresh start, particularly for developing younger players he believes can be ready by 2030.
He also acknowledged that four years is a long time in football. The coach noted he intends to honour the full term but was candid that circumstances in the sport can shift quickly.
Before joining the USMNT, Pochettino had managed Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham, Southampton, and Espanyol. His overall record with the US now stands at 17 wins, 13 losses, and one draw.
