Football
Football
Pochettino Extends US Men’s National Team Tenure Through 2030 World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino has committed to leading the United States men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup, finalizing a contract extension announced on Monday. The agreement solidifies Pochettino’s role, which began in September 2024, following the team’s Round of 16 exit in the co-hosted 2026 World Cup.
The US finished top of their group in the 2026 tournament with victories over Paraguay and Australia, then secured a 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32. Their campaign concluded with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Discussions for Pochettino’s extension were ongoing for months, intensifying after the World Cup.
Beyond his primary focus on the senior national team, Pochettino’s expanded role includes advising US Soccer on several broader initiatives. These encompass the national team pathway, youth soccer development, coaching education, and collaboration with professional leagues. Pochettino expressed excitement about bringing his experience to more areas of US Soccer, aiming for a lasting impact on the sport.
Financial specifics of the new deal were not disclosed, though Pochettino is expected to receive a raise from his previous annual salary, which was reportedly around $4 million to $6 million. Funding for the extension comes from philanthropic leadership gifts by federation donors, including hedge fund managers Kenneth C. Griffin and Scott Goodwin, along with Adam Freede and various commercial partners. Griffin and Goodwin were also instrumental in the initial recruitment of Pochettino in 2024.
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