USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, US Soccer in ‘final stages’ of agreeing on new contract
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and US Soccer are reportedly in the "final stages" of agreeing a new contract that would extend his tenure through the 2030 World Cup, according to multiple sources briefed on the negotiations. The deal would give the federation continuity in its coaching setup following a disappointing last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, and would end months of uncertainty over Pochettino's future, during which he had attracted interest from clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.
Pochettino took charge of the USMNT in September 2024 and oversaw a mixed spell of results, including a fourth-place Nations League finish, a Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico, and the team's best-ever World Cup group-stage showing, though this was overshadowed by a heavy 4-1 last-16 loss to Belgium. Under his current deal he earns around $6m a year plus a $2.5m signing bonus, partly funded by philanthropic backers including Ken Griffin, making him the third-highest-paid international coach in the world; sources say his new contract would pay "significantly" more. Both sides are said to want an agreement finalised before the USMNT's next friendlies in late September and early October.
- Pochettino and US Soccer nearing new deal through 2030 World Cup
- Extension follows USMNT's last-16 exit at 2026 World Cup
- New contract expected to pay Pochettino significantly more
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Mauricio Pochettino is an experienced football manager who was appointed head coach of the United States men's national team in September 2024. The USMNT represents America in international football competitions, with the World Cup being the sport's most prestigious tournament.
Under Pochettino's management, the team has achieved mixed results. The USMNT reached its best-ever group stage at the 2026 World Cup but was eliminated in the last 16 following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium; it also lost the Gold Cup final to Mexico.
Pochettino's position has faced uncertainty, with major European clubs including Real Madrid and Tottenham having shown interest in hiring him. This makes US Soccer's efforts to extend his contract significant, as securing his long-term commitment would provide coaching continuity for the national team despite recent disappointments.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Extending Pochettino’s contract could give the USMNT stability and time to build on its strongest-ever World Cup group-stage showing, rather than disrupt the coaching setup after one disappointing knockout defeat. Supporters may see his experience and the reported interest from major clubs as reasons to secure his commitment, especially with the next World Cup cycle already beginning.
The case against
Critics could argue that a heavy last-16 defeat, alongside mixed results in other competitions, leaves legitimate doubts about whether Pochettino should receive a longer deal and significantly higher pay. With the current salary already among the highest for an international coach and partly supported by outside donors, the federation could instead wait for more evidence or weigh other candidates before committing.