Mauricio Pochettino is nearing an agreement to extend his stay as United States men’s national team head coach through the 2030 World Cup, even after the team’s tournament run ended in bitter disappointment.
The 54-year-old’s original deal ran out after the World Cup, where the USMNT exited in emphatic fashion following a sobering 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.
Despite that setback, US Soccer and Pochettino are now reportedly close to finalizing a new four-year contract that would keep the Argentine in charge until 2030, according to The Athletic.
Negotiations had been put on hold while the tournament was ongoing, but talks have since accelerated after fresh discussions between Pochettino and federation officials.
‘Right now, it’s about resting a little, to think, have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I’m so happy,’ Pochettino said after the loss to Belgium.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson also acknowledged that active conversations were taking place over the direction of the program and the future of its coaching staff.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to agree a new USA contract running through the 2030 World Cup
The USMNT’s World Cup campaign ended with a humbling 4-1 last-16 defeat against Belgium
‘From a men’s national team coaching standpoint, we’re in active discussions with Mauricio and staff about the future,’ Batson explained.
‘We all share a belief that the best days of US Soccer are ahead of us’.
While the manner of their World Cup exit raised questions over Pochettino’s lucrative salary, the USMNT enjoyed a strong stage performance under his tenure – securing first place in their group after winning their opening two matches of the tournament.
Pochettino, who took charge of the national team in October 2024, has remained actively involved in the federation’s long-term planning since taking the reins.
However, not everyone shares the federation’s faith in the manager. Fullback-turned-commentator Alexi Lalas claimed earlier this month that US Soccer should cut ties with Pochettino.
‘I mean, it’s not that I want him to leave,’ the divisive 56-year-old told talkSPORT in the wake of the USA’s World Cup exit . ‘I just think that this cycle has run its course.’
‘When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, you had one job,’ Lalas continued. ‘And it was the game against Belgium. You win that game, then you’re in some rarefied air. And it’s not gravy but let’s be honest, you’re playing against Spain. And you take your chances, you’re back in an underdog type of role.
‘So I think that they [US Soccer] move on. I believe he’s had a good time, but you had one job, and you blew it. And, you know, you live and die by that. Every coach understands that, every manager understands that, and certainly Mauricio Pochettino does.
The Argentine said that he would take a break before making a decision after the World Cup
‘It was an abject failure,’ Lalas continued. ‘It’s one thing to go out to Belgium, it’s another thing to go out in the way they went out, especially with the way that they looked through the tournament.
‘I don’t think the confidence and excitement was misplaced for this team, but they picked the worst possible day to play their worst possible game. It’s obviously on Mauricio Pochettino and these players.
‘Does it completely negate everything they did? No. But the reality is a lot of that goodwill and a lot of the people that came into the tent … they’re left shaking their head and there’s an inquiry going on right now … rightfully holding this team and this coach to account.’
Pochettino was well received when he was named the USMNT head coach two years ago after previously coaching Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
There had been reports linking him to the AC Milan job, but the Italian giant has since hired ex-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
