Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a four-year contract extension with the U.S. Soccer Federation to remain head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team through the 2030 World Cup.
The 54-year-old manager, who took over the national team in October 2024, led the co-host United States to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup before a 4-1 elimination against Belgium. Despite the exit, the campaign marked a milestone as the U.S. earned three victories in a single World Cup for the first time and secured group-stage advancement with a game to spare.
Extended Role and Philanthropic Support
Under the new agreement, Pochettino’s responsibilities will expand beyond the senior squad to advise and support U.S. Soccer on player development pathways, youth national teams, and coaching education.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin will once again serve as the lead philanthropic funder supporting the contract, along with additional donors and commercial partners. Financial details were not formally disclosed, though the contract is expected to include a raise above his previous $6 million annual salary.
“The magic thing that happened during the World Cup, the connection with the people, of course with the whole organization and everything was a key point,” Pochettino said during a Zoom news conference from Barcelona. “What we learned is that we can compete, that we have the quality and we have the talent. That gap with the best teams in the world is not too big.”
Focus Shifts to the 2030 World Cup Cycle
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson praised the decision, noting that the federation remains committed to competing at the highest international level and growing the sport domestically.
Pochettino noted that the upcoming four-year cycle represents a fresh start for the program, with an emphasis on developing young talent to address positional depth.
“It is going to be important to provide the young kids that we really believe in that they have the potential to arrive in 2030,” Pochettino said. “Now it’s about to start the house from zero.”
