USMNT close to extending Pochettino contract through 2030

The United States men's national soccer team is nearing a contract extension with head coach Mauricio Pochettino that would keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup, according to multiple reports. The deal, which is reportedly close to being finalized, comes just weeks after the team's 2026 World Cup campaign ended with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

Pochettino, 54, was initially hired in September 2024 to replace Gregg Berhalter. His original two-year contract expired following the recent World Cup, which the United States co-hosted. Under his leadership, the team finished first in its group with a 2-1-0 record, defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32, and secured a record three wins at a single World Cup tournament before the defeat to Belgium.

Despite the disappointing exit, which some observers described as a thrashing, the United States Soccer Federation moved quickly to secure Pochettino's future. Negotiations, which were paused during the tournament, progressed rapidly after its conclusion. Federation CEO JT Batson confirmed active discussions were underway, stating a shared belief that the best days for U.S. Soccer lie ahead. Pochettino...