Mauricio Pochettino Nears New Deal to Lead USMNT Through 2030 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a new contract to remain the head coach of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT), potentially extending his tenure through the 2030 World Cup. Discussions between Pochettino and U.S. Soccer are reportedly progressing positively, with an announcement anticipated soon, according to broadcaster Andres Cantor. The federation aims to have Pochettino in place for the USMNT's upcoming friendlies in September and October, though those matches have yet to be scheduled. Pochettino initially joined the national team in September 2024 on a contract aligned with the World Cup, focusing on achieving a strong performance on home soil. He received an extension offer before the tournament, revealing that he had discussed the federation's vision for the next four years during a dinner on May 24. "[U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson] asked if we are open to listen [to] the project of the federation for the next four years and we said, of course, we are open," Pochettino stated following the discussions. The parties decided to wait until after the USMNT's World Cup campaign to make a decision. The team started the tournament positively but faced a 4-1 defeat against Belgium in the round of 16, marking their fourth consecutive exit at this stage. Despite speculation about interest from clubs like AC Milan, Pochettino has committed to the USMNT, stating his pride in the team's progress. "It’s not linear that you are going to grow so quick … We all know that a process is about four years," he reflected after the tournament. Pochettino's upcoming focus includes preparing for a successful 2030 World Cup, navigating World Cup qualification, participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and the Copa America. U.S. Soccer is prioritizing the Olympic Games, presenting a chance for emerging talents to integrate into the senior team ahead of 2030.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-07-29