The U.S. Soccer Federation announced this week that it has extended Mauricio Pochettino’s contract as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team through the end of 2030, cementing his role beyond the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Pochettino, who arrived in September 2024, was tasked with preparing the squad for the upcoming tournament. Under his guidance the team captured its group outright, defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2‑0 in the Round of 32, and set a new record for most wins in a single World Cup, scoring in all five matches and netting at least two goals in four of them.
The coach’s staff — Jesús Pérez, Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jiménez, who have worked together for more than 15 years — will now advise U.S. Soccer on a wide range of development initiatives, from youth programs to coaching education and collaboration with professional leagues.
Since October 2024, 62 players have earned caps under Pochettino, representing 16 leagues across 12 countries, while 23 different players have combined for 53 goals. Emerging talents such as Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman and Matt Freese, all nominees for the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, broke into the senior roster and earned their first international caps.
A New Era for U.S. Men’s Soccer
The agreement is underwritten by a philanthropic gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel, underscoring a long‑term investment in the sport’s infrastructure. The coaching staff’s influence will extend to upcoming competitions, including the 2027 and 2029 Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, as well as the 2028 Olympic Games hosted on home soil.
Pochettino has emphasized that his vision reaches beyond match results, aiming to build sustainable pathways for players and coaches that will shape the next generation of American soccer talent.