U.S. Soccer signs coach Mauricio Pochettino through 2030 World Cup
by Alex Butler · UPIAug. 3 (UPI) -- Mauricio Pochettino agreed to a contract with U.S. Soccer, installing himself as men's national team coach through 2030, the federation announced Monday.
The pact comes on the heels of the Americans' best World Cup run in recent memory, when they set national records with three victories and 11 goals at the 2026 tournament.
Pochettino, who was hired in 2024, could become just the second coach to lead the American men in two World Cups -- if they qualify for 2030.
Bruce Arena, who coached the Americans at the 2002 and 2006 tournaments, is the only other coach to lead the Americans twice.
"Working together with U.S. 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," Pochettino said in a news release. "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 U.S. 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's style, which featured more aggressive and creative play, resulted in sensational victories early on in the World Cup. But the Americans' inspired run eventually ended at the hands of Belgium in the Round of 16.
The U.S. men advanced past that round just once since 1930 -- the first World Cup. That run came under Arena, who led the Americans to the 2002 quarterfinals.
"Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States and our new project allows us to build on progress of the USMNT and the momentum of U.S. Soccer," U.S. Soccer CEO and secretary general JT Batson said.
"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.
Pochettino also will lead the Americans in the Cocncacaf Nations League and Gold Cup tournaments in 2027 and 2029.