Mauricio Pochettino has committed to leading the USA men’s national team through to 2030 after signing a new four-year contract.
The Argentine joined US Soccer in September 2024 and, despite a rocky start, justified his lucrative salary by guiding the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup where they were beaten by Belgium.
That match, and the fall-out to the defeat, was dominated by the issue of Folarin Balogun’s suspended red card following discussions between FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump, but the USA’s performances over the summer were largely excellent.
That has prompted US Soccer to dig deep once again although financial support has come via a philanthropic gift from Kenneth C Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Adam Freede and several commercial partners.
“Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States and our new project allows us to build on the progress of the USMNT and the momentum of US Soccer,” said CEO and secretary general JT Batson.
“We know we have a lot of work to do to achieve our clear ambitions, including competing to win men’s World Cups and having soccer become the most played sport in every community. I couldn’t be more excited that Mauricio and team are committed to partnering with all of us to do the hard work to bring those ambitions to life.”
Pochettino makes his mark with the USA
Having enjoyed spells in Europe with the likes of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, it had been expected Pochettino would be tempted back by a job in the top five leagues.
But he has opted to remain in the States and work with an exciting young team that has developed under the 54-year-old and now plays his trademark, high press, high energy football.
“Working together with US Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the men’s national team program even stronger,” said Pochettino.
“The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. We are excited by the opportunity to bring all our experience and knowledge to even more areas of US Soccer while helping strengthen the pathways for players, coaches and teams across the Federation. We want to try to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country that has welcomed us so warmly and for that impact to extend beyond results on the field.”
Pochettino changes culture at US Soccer
For so long seen as a closed shop, Pochettino ended a culture seen as comfortable and ensured every call up to the squad was justified, even though that meant high-profile players being left out.
In total, 62 players have earned a cap under Pochettino since October 2024, coming from 16 different leagues in 12 different countries.
The 2030 World Cup is the long-term target but, before then, the US will compete in the 2027 and 2029 CONCACAF Nations Leagues and the 2027 and 2029 Gold Cups.
“Mauricio has built a culture where players trust the group, trust the process and trust each other,” said US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone.
“We saw the impact of that belief in the way the team grew, competed and performed on the world’s biggest stage. That culture, and the staff who helped build it, are exactly what we want to continue investing in for the men’s national team now and for the future. We are also excited about the experience and perspective Mauricio and his staff can bring across US Soccer as we strengthen our pathways and seek to impact the broader soccer landscape in the United States.”
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