US Soccer extends Pochettino contract to 2030 World Cup

U.S. Soccer announced on Monday, August 3, 2026, that it has agreed to a contract extension with men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino, keeping him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The new four-year deal covers the next major tournament cycle, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Pochettino, 54, took over the program in October 2024 and led the United States as a co-host in the recent 2026 World Cup. The team advanced from its group with victories over Paraguay and Australia, marking the first time a U.S. squad clinched a knockout round berth with a game to spare in the expanded 48-team format. After a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, the American run ended with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

In a statement released by the federation, Pochettino said the passion from fans during the World Cup strengthened his belief in the program's potential. He expressed excitement about applying his experience to broader areas of U.S. Soccer, including player development, coaching education, and collaboration with professional leagues. The federation described his return as an expanded role where his staff will advise on the full...