Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a contract extension with US Soccer that will keep him as head coach of the US men's national team through 2030, the federation announced on Monday.
The two sides had been in discussions for several months, even before the USMNT's last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Talks intensified after the tournament, with the Guardian reporting last week that a deal was in its final stages. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Pochettino is expected to receive a raise on his previous $6m per year salary, which was already the highest for a US head coach.
Expanded role and funding
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who funded Pochettino's initial contract, will again be the primary funder. A source described Pochettino's return as an "expanded role," with the coaching staff set to "advise and support" the federation on broader development, including youth soccer, coaching education, and professional league collaboration.
Pochettino said: "It has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the men's national team program even stronger. The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here."
World Cup performance and future
Under Pochettino, the US had a strong start at the World Cup, including a 4-1 win over Paraguay, but were outclassed in a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the last 16. Pochettino took responsibility for the defeat.
His record with the US stands at 18 wins, 12 losses, and one draw. Despite early struggles, including a fourth-place finish in the 2025 Nations League and a Gold Cup final loss, he had highlights such as a 5-1 friendly win over Uruguay. The federation has now given him another chance to reach the quarter-finals at the 2030 World Cup.
