Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the USMNT, and US Soccer are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing to a new contract. This new deal would extend his tenure through the 2030 World Cup, according to multiple sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
Pochettino was appointed as the US head coach in September 2024, with an initial mandate to lead the team through the 2026 World Cup. During this tournament, the United States experienced a disappointing exit in the last 16. Despite this, both parties had expressed interest in a potential extension prior to the tournament.
JT Batson, US Soccer chief executive, indicated that the federation was enthusiastic about building on the progress made during Pochettino’s initial period as head coach. An offer for an extension was reportedly presented to Pochettino in June, shortly after the US secured first place in Group D at the World Cup.
Contract discussions and timeline
Reports suggest that a decision from Pochettino was not expected until after the conclusion of the tournament, as his previous contract expired at the end of the World Cup. On 17 July, Pochettino stated in Spanish-language media that a decision on his future would be made the following week. However, that timeline has passed without a final announcement.
Sources indicated on Tuesday that both sides are keen to finalise a deal. This would allow attention to shift towards the USMNT‘s upcoming friendly matches, scheduled for late September and early October.
Broadcaster Andres Cantor was among the first to report progress on the recent contract talks. While financial details of the potential new deal have not been fully disclosed, one source close to the negotiations suggested that the Argentinian coach is set to earn significantly more than his previous agreement.
Pochettino’s tenure with the USMNT
Pochettino’s time as US coach has seen a mix of results. Early outcomes included a fourth-place finish in the Nations League and a loss to Mexico in a Gold Cup final. These were balanced by more favourable performances, such as the US achieving its best-ever group-stage finish at a World Cup.
The team’s journey in the 2026 World Cup included winning multiple group games and securing first place in their group after just two matches, a first in the program’s history. They also won their first knockout World Cup game since 2002. However, a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 marked a significant setback.
Pochettino, who had no prior international coaching experience before joining the USMNT, continued to attract interest from other clubs during his tenure. Notably, Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, where he previously achieved success, and Real Madrid were linked with him, though both clubs have since appointed new coaches.
Under Pochettino, the US recorded a 17-2-12 record across 31 matches. The team finished 12th overall at the 2026 World Cup and scored 11 goals in five matches, setting a new US record.
Pochettino’s initial appointment followed the departure of Gregg Berhalter in September 2024, two months after a third-place finish in group play at the Copa América tournament.
Source: theguardian.com