Pochettino in positive talks over new USMNT coach contract
DIRECT ANSWER: U.S. Soccer and Mauricio Pochettino are in positive talks over a contract extension that would keep the USMNT head coach in charge through the 2030 World Cup, multiple sources told ESPN, The Guardian and The Athletic. No final decision is expected until after the 2026 tournament ends, but the federation has already presented a formal offer.
The timing matters because Pochettino's current deal expires when this World Cup ends, and the federation wants stability heading into the next cycle. For readers tracking major US sports business moves, our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub covers how sponsorship and investment shape decisions like this one.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Soccer has offered Mauricio Pochettino an extension through the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
- Talks between the coach and federation leaders have been positive, but any decision waits until after the 2026 tournament.
- The USMNT topped its group at the home World Cup and faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 1.
- Pochettino remains open to staying while acknowledging interest from European clubs, including reported AC Milan talks.
- A renewal would keep Pochettino among the highest-paid international coaches, with a base salary around $4 million per year.
What contract offer has U.S. Soccer made to Pochettino?
According to sources cited by The Guardian, U.S. Soccer has offered Pochettino a deal that would keep him as head coach through the 2030 World Cup. ESPN reported that the federation wants to retain the 54-year-old for another four-year cycle and keep much of the current roster core together.
The Athletic first reported news of the offer, and ESPN confirmed that talks have been constructive. Negotiations have been underway for roughly three months, with U.S. Soccer presenting the proposal before this summer's tournament.
Why is the federation pushing to keep Pochettino now?
Pochettino took charge in late 2024 and has guided the USMNT to its best-ever group-stage showing at a World Cup, beating Australia and Paraguay before a loss to Turkey. The team meets Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said in May that Pochettino had standing offers elsewhere when hired and chose to believe in soccer in America. Batson has reiterated the federation's pursuit of a long-term deal, telling ESPN the world is now seeing the results of a strategy focused on this summer's tournament.
The next cycle includes a home Olympic Games in Los Angeles and an expected 2028 Copa America in the United States. The federation also opened a $250 million national training center in Atlanta, which sources told The Athletic could help entice the coach to stay.
What has Pochettino said about his future as coach?
Pochettino told reporters this week he is open to U.S. Soccer's four-year project but will not decide until after the World Cup. "We told the federation we are open," he said, "but we don't want to distract when all the energy needs to be with my players."
That openness stands alongside reported interest from AC Milan in late May, which Batson described as part of having an in-demand coach with a track record at Chelsea, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.
A tax filing cited by The Guardian placed Pochettino's base salary around $4 million annually, with bonuses that could push total pay toward $5 million to $6 million. An extension would keep him among the highest-paid international coaches.
When will a final decision be made?
All sides agree nothing is final until the 2026 World Cup ends. Pochettino could hypothetically become a free agent in less than a month, but knockout-stage performance will likely shape opinions on both sides.
For U.S. Soccer, retaining Pochettino would signal continuity after hiring him with philanthropic backing from Ken Griffin and commercial partners. For the coach, a deep World Cup run could increase European club interest, but it could also strengthen the case for building a legacy with the national team and American fans.