Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new four-year contract to remain head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday. The agreement extends his tenure through the 2030 World Cup cycle, marking a continuation of his leadership since September 2024.
Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, took charge of the U.S. team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted on home soil. Under his guidance, the team advanced to the round of 16, ultimately falling to Belgium in a 4-1 loss that was considered the nation’s most significant World Cup defeat in 36 years. Despite the setback, he led the team to top its World Cup group stage, reflecting a period of rebuilding and growth since he assumed the role.
In comments following the contract extension, Pochettino emphasized the potential he sees in the men’s national team program and expressed ambitions to make a lasting impact on U.S. soccer. He highlighted the passionate support from fans during the World Cup as a motivating factor and described the new contract as an opportunity for a “fresh start” and to “refresh that mindset, to refresh that culture and philosophy.” He indicated that the team’s player pool would remain open, with performance as the key criterion for selection.
Beyond his role directing the senior team, Pochettino and his staff will also contribute to broader development efforts across U.S. Soccer, including youth programs, coaching education, and collaboration with professional leagues, according to the federation’s statement.
The terms of the contract, including provisions related to early termination or buyouts, were not publicly disclosed. Pochettino’s previous contract reportedly included a salary in the multi-millions, supplemented by a signing bonus, with significant financial backing for his retention coming from philanthropic donors such as billionaire Ken Griffin and other private contributors.
Looking ahead, Pochettino will prepare the team for international friendlies scheduled for the September-October window later this year. The United States will compete in various confederation tournaments, including the Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League, with the 2028 Copa América also a potential competition if the U.S. is invited or hosts the tournament.
Pochettino becomes the fifth U.S. men’s head coach in this century to be entrusted with a second World Cup cycle. Historically, coaches who have reached this stage—Bob Bradley, Jürgen Klinsmann, Gregg Berhalter, and Bruce Arena—have faced mixed results, with several dismissed before completing their campaigns or exiting early in the tournament.
While Pochettino previously expressed openness to offers from European club soccer, his decision to continue with the U.S. team signals a commitment to building on the foundation laid during his initial tenure as the program enters a new phase of development.