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The United States Soccer Federation has secured the long-term future of men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino after agreeing to a new contract that will keep the Argentine manager in charge through 2030.
The extension marks a new phase in U.S. Soccer’s ambitious project, with Pochettino and his coaching staff expected not only to continue developing the senior U.S. Men’s National Team but also to play a wider role in strengthening the country’s football structure.
Pochettino, who took charge of the USMNT in September 2024, was initially appointed with a focus on preparing the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the new agreement, his influence will extend beyond the senior squad, with responsibilities including advising on youth development, coaching education, professional league partnerships and the wider national team pathway.
U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson said the federation was excited to continue working with Pochettino and his staff as it pursues long-term goals.
“Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States and our new project allows us to build on progress of the USMNT and the momentum of U.S. Soccer,” Batson said. He added that the federation’s ambitions include “competing to win Men’s World Cups and having soccer become the most played sport in every community.”
Pochettino’s first spell in charge produced historic results, with the former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager guiding the USMNT to a record-breaking World Cup campaign. The team won its group for only the third time in history and secured its first knockout-stage victory since 2002 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
The attacking style under Pochettino also delivered impressive numbers, with the United States scoring in all five matches and recording multiple goals in four games.
Reflecting on the new deal, Pochettino said his experience with the team had convinced him of the country’s football potential.
“Working together with U.S. Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the Men’s National Team program even stronger,” he said.
“The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here.”
Since taking over, Pochettino has expanded the national team pool, giving opportunities to 62 players from 16 leagues across 12 countries. A total of 23 players have scored during his tenure, contributing to 53 goals.
His commitment to developing young talent has also been a key part of his approach. Emerging players such as Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman and Matt Freese earned their first international caps under his leadership before making the 2026 World Cup squad.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised the culture created by Pochettino and his staff, saying they had built an environment based on trust and collective belief.
“Mauricio has built a culture where players trust the group, trust the process and trust each other,” she said.
Looking ahead, Pochettino will oversee the team through major competitions including the 2027 and 2029 Concacaf Nations League, the 2027 and 2029 Gold Cups, and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The extension also strengthens his role in shaping the future of American football, with the coaching staff expected to contribute to youth national teams and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be hosted in the United States.
Pochettino, 54, brings extensive international experience to the role, having previously managed top European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Espanyol. He also represented Argentina as a player at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
The new agreement signals U.S. Soccer’s commitment to building long-term stability and creating a stronger pathway for players, coaches and teams across the country.
