The short version
- Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a contract extension keeping him as head coach through the 2030 World Cup.
- The deal includes a salary increase and an expanded role involving youth development and broader technical support.
- Billionaire Ken Griffin is expected to continue funding the arrangement, which follows months of negotiations.
Mauricio Pochettino will remain at the helm of the United States men’s national soccer team through the 2030 World Cup, following a contract extension agreed upon with the US Soccer Federation. The announcement confirms that the federation intends to keep its current leadership structure intact despite the team’s elimination in the round of 16 during this summer’s tournament. Negotiations for the new agreement had been underway for several months prior to the competition and intensified in the weeks following the team’s departure from the field.
Financial specifics of the extension were not disclosed, but reports indicate Pochettino will receive a raise above his previous annual salary of $6 million. This compensation package already represented the highest payout for a US head coach in recent history. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who financed the initial hiring of Pochettino, is understood to be the primary backer of this renewed arrangement as well.
The new contract broadens Pochettino’s responsibilities beyond managing the senior squad. While his primary focus remains on the national team, he and his staff will also advise the federation on youth soccer development, coaching education, and collaboration with professional leagues. This shift suggests an institutional effort to leverage Pochettino’s experience across the entire soccer ecosystem rather than limiting his impact to match-day tactics for the senior roster.
Pochettino’s tenure has been marked by both high-profile victories and significant setbacks. He led the team to three wins in the recent World Cup, including a dominant performance against Paraguay, before falling short against Belgium. His record since taking charge includes 18 wins, 12 losses, and one draw. While he faced criticism for the late tournament exit and had public disagreements with some players regarding commitment levels, the federation views his presence as essential for long-term growth.
The decision to extend Pochettino’s contract reflects a belief that the foundation laid during his first two years requires more time to fully mature. Pochettino has previously noted that assessing player quality and establishing standards is a multi-year process. By securing his services through 2030, US Soccer aims to build on the enthusiasm generated by recent performances while addressing the structural challenges that contributed to their early exit from the global stage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- NPR↗U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will stay through 2030 World Cup
- The Guardian US↗Mauricio Pochettino agrees deal to stay as US coach through World Cup 2030
