Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a new contract to manage the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. The announcement comes after Pochettino led the team to its third World Cup group stage win in team history and its first knockout-stage victory since 2002 during the 2026 tournament.
Under Pochettino's guidance, the USMNT secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Despite falling short in the Round of 16 with a loss to Belgium, the team's performance marked a significant achievement.
"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," Pochettino said in a statement. "The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. We are excited by the opportunity to bring all our experience and knowledge to even more areas of U.S. Soccer while helping strengthen the pathways for players, coaches and teams across the Federation."
Pochettino expressed a desire to have a lasting impact on the sport in the United States, extending beyond on-field results. The agreement is seen as a significant win for American soccer, ensuring continuity with a proven manager who is familiar with the players and the program's trajectory.
The decision to extend Pochettino's contract provides stability as the U.S. Soccer Federation aims to further develop the sport within the country. The federation highlighted the potential for strengthening pathways for players, coaches, and teams, indicating a broader vision for soccer's growth in the U.S. The continuity of having the same manager build momentum is viewed as a positive step for the future of American soccer.