USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino close to new contract

US Soccer and Mauricio Pochettino are in the final stages of agreeing a new contract that would keep the Argentina-born coach with the United States men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup.

Talks moving toward an agreement

Multiple sources briefed on the negotiations have indicated that an extension is close, with both sides understood to be keen to complete the process soon. The expectation is that resolving Pochettino’s future will allow attention to shift fully to the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies in late September and early October.

Pochettino had already suggested in Spanish-language media that clarity on his future was imminent, although neither he nor the federation has publicly confirmed an agreement. Progress in the talks was first reported by Telemundo’s Andres Cantor.

A longer-term commitment after the 2026 cycle

Pochettino was appointed in September 2024 and initially tasked with leading the US through the 2026 World Cup. An extension through 2030 would represent a significant vote of confidence from US Soccer after a tenure that has produced a varied set of results.

There have been setbacks, including a fourth-place finish in the Nations League and defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. There were also more encouraging signs, among them what was described as the United States’ best-ever group-stage finish at a World Cup. Even so, the campaign was also marked by a heavy last-16 loss to Belgium, a result that has shaped much of the outside perception of Pochettino’s first spell in charge.

Financial terms not confirmed

The financial details of the proposed new contract have not been made public. One source close to the negotiations said Pochettino would earn significantly more than under his previous agreement.

His existing terms were worth roughly $6m per year, excluding performance-related bonuses, and included a $2.5m signing bonus. That package already placed him among the highest-paid international coaches in the game. The arrangement was supported in part by philanthropic backing, including from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin.

Interest from elsewhere but focus on the USMNT

Pochettino arrived in the role without prior experience in international management, but his profile remained high throughout his time with the US. During that period he was linked with Tottenham Hotspur, where he previously enjoyed success, and also with Real Madrid. Those vacancies have since been filled.

For US Soccer, a new deal would offer continuity heading into the next phase of the national team’s development. For Pochettino, it would extend a project that has delivered both promise and frustration, but which the federation still appears eager to back over the longer term.