Soccer

Pochettino Commits to US Soccer Through 2030 World Cup

The federation locks in the Argentine coach as it seeks to transform the national program

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new agreement with the United States Soccer Federation that will keep him in charge of the men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup, extending his tenure beyond the early exit at the 2026 tournament.

The contract follows a turbulent period that included a group‑stage victory over Paraguay, a 0‑3 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, and a mixed record in the Nations League and Gold Cup, where the team finished fourth and lost a final to Mexico.

Pochettino’s previous salary of $6 million per year made him the highest‑paid coach in US history, a reflection of the federation’s willingness to invest heavily in a long‑term vision.

Billionaire hedge‑fund manager Ken Griffin, who had funded Pochettino’s initial contract, will continue to provide financial backing for the expanded role, which now includes oversight of player pathways, youth development and coaching education.

Under Pochettino the side posted its best World Cup performance to date, highlighted by a 5‑1 friendly win over Uruguay, but the coach also faced public criticism for benching star players such as Christian Pulisic and for clashing with journalists.

A Strategic Shift for US Soccer

The federation emphasized that the coach’s new responsibilities will be to strengthen the pipeline that feeds talent into the senior side, a goal that aligns with the ambition of hosting a successful home tournament in 2030.

Pochettino described his first 20 months as a period of assessment, during which he laid down standards and began reshaping the squad’s identity, setting the groundwork for the broader development initiatives now funded by Griffin.

Published by SocketNews.com powered news Editorial Team Structured news coverage generated from verified editorial data fields. About Editorial Policy Contact