Pochettino to Lead US Men’s National Team Through 2030 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino has officially extended his contract as head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, committing to the role until the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This decision was confirmed by US Soccer on Monday, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his future.
Before the U.S. team faced a disappointing exit in the Round of 16 at the recent World Cup, talks about Pochettino’s contract were already in motion. Negotiations intensified following the tournament, although the exact financial details of the new contract were not revealed. Sources indicate that Pochettino will receive an increase from his previous annual salary of $6 million.
In his statement, Pochettino expressed enthusiasm for the potential of the men’s national team. “The passion we felt from our fans during the World Cup motivated us even more. We’re excited to use our experience to strengthen every area of U.S. Soccer, including the development of players and coaches,” he said.
Pochettino took the helm of the USMNT in 2024 and successfully led the team to the knockout stages of the home World Cup. The team’s journey started strong with a remarkable 4-1 victory against Paraguay in their opening match, followed by wins over Australia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, they were subsequently eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16, which sparked some criticism of Pochettino’s strategies.
Despite facing scrutiny, he retained support from the federation, and his efforts to elevate the team’s standards have been acknowledged by several players. Yet, his time as coach has not been without controversy, including disagreements with key players like Christian Pulisic and some challenges with the media.
After the loss to Belgium, Pochettino reflected on his first 20 months in charge, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision. “We’re still in the early stages of this journey. A process like this typically spans about four years. We’ve gained important insights from our players, and if we’re committed to the future, we have a clear plan moving forward,” he noted.
This new deal signifies US Soccer’s belief in Pochettino’s ability to continue building on the groundwork he has laid as the team gears up for the upcoming World Cup in 2030.
