Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to remain as head coach of the United States men's national team through the 2030 World Cup, securing his leadership for a second cycle while expanding his remit beyond the senior side.
The new agreement, announced by U.S. Soccer, adds an advisory role that will oversee the national team pathway, youth development programs, coaching education initiatives and collaboration with professional leagues across the country.
Pochettino first took the USMNT job in September 2024 with the explicit aim of preparing the squad for a home World Cup in 2026, a project that was presented to him over dinner at Jean-Georges in New York on May 24, 2024.
U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson outlined a four‑year vision that emphasized long‑term player development and structural growth, a pitch that Pochettino said resonated with his own philosophy for the sport.
After the team’s early exit in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup — a 4‑1 loss to Belgium that marked the fourth straight tournament the U.S. failed to advance past that stage — negotiations intensified, though the contract was formally offered before the tournament began.
The deal includes a philanthropic leadership gift from a coalition of donors, among them hedge‑fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, Scott Goodwin and Adam Freede, though the exact financial terms remain undisclosed.
Pochettino, who previously commanded one of the highest salaries for a national‑team coach at roughly $4 million annually, will now operate under a revised compensation structure that reflects both his on‑field duties and his expanded advisory role.
Beyond the senior side, the arrangement aims to strengthen pathways for emerging talent, improve coaching standards across the federation and create a more cohesive bridge between amateur and professional soccer in the United States.
Philanthropic Support and Financial Backing
The financial backing, sourced from both federation donors and commercial partners, underscores a broader commitment to invest in the sport’s infrastructure, from grassroots academies to elite development centers.
A Long‑Term Vision for 2030
Looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, Pochettino envisions a United States team that not only competes more effectively on the global stage but also serves as a catalyst for nationwide soccer growth, leveraging the resources and partnerships that have been mobilized over the past year.