Pochettino Signs New USMNT Contract Until 2030

Mauricio Pochettino returns as the USMNT coach with a new contract through the 2030 World Cup, aiming for a fresh start and development.

Mauricio Pochettino will continue to lead the U.S. men’s national team after agreeing to a new contract that extends through the 2030 World Cup, as announced by U.S. Soccer on Monday.

This new agreement comes following the expiration of his previous contract post-2026 World Cup, and both he and the federation have kept discussions open regarding a renewal. The confirmation became official this week.

Beyond his role in the upcoming World Cup cycle, Pochettino and his coaching staff will also support U.S. Soccer in broader areas, including the development of youth soccer, coaching education, and collaboration within the professional league.

Speaking to a small group of reporters, Pochettino expressed enthusiasm about the fresh beginnings for the national team. He noted his aim to create a new era, stating, “Now it’s a fresh start. It’s a good moment to refresh that mindset, to refresh that culture and philosophy, and to start to create a new era of USA soccer… thinking that every player will have the possibility to join us if they perform.”

The announcement follows a World Cup run that captivated fans but ended in disappointment with a round-of-16 defeat against Belgium, marking the team’s worst World Cup defeat in 36 years. Pochettino’s record in 31 matches with the USMNT stands at 17 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws.

Pochettino took over the team in the fall of 2024 and aimed to rebuild throughout 2025. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to the top of its World Cup group, but the crushing exit against Belgium overshadowed those achievements.

In recent discussions about his future, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed a desire for Pochettino to remain, emphasizing excitement about the ongoing negotiations. Pochettino himself indicated an openness to various options, having hinted at an interest in returning to European club football.

Several weeks before World Cup camp commenced, the coach met with representatives from AC Milan, as confirmed by multiple sources. Despite the external interest, Pochettino eventually opted to stay with the USMNT.

“The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here,” he remarked, looking forward to impacting the sport across the nation positively.

The financial terms of the new contract have not been disclosed, but it is assumed that retaining Pochettino involved a salary comparable to his previous multi-million dollar earnings, which included a $2.5 million signing bonus supported significantly by donations from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin and others.

With broader investments in commercial sponsorship and support from various contributors, Batson indicated that the commitment to the national team would continue beyond just the upcoming tournaments. In the lead-up to the 2030 World Cup, Pochettino prepares for at least two years until the next major tournament, which may include the 2028 Copa América.

Pochettino becomes the fifth coach in the 21st century to lead the USMNT through a second World Cup cycle, joining a select group often subjected to mid-cycle dismissals. However, he remains optimistic about the future. “I really believe that it’s an exciting situation for soccer in USA. To have the possibility to start from zero… to set a different principle, with some similarities, but completely different… it’s our responsibility to provide the federation with different things and add quality,” he stated about his goals moving forward.