Mauricio Pochettino and US Soccer are in the final stages of finalizing a new contract that would extend the Argentinian's tenure as USMNT head coach through the 2030 World Cup, multiple sources briefed on the negotiations have told the Guardian. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Contract negotiations and timeline
Pochettino was appointed US head coach in September 2024, initially tasked with leading the team through the 2026 World Cup, where the Americans suffered a disappointing exit in the last 16. Both sides had expressed interest in extending the deal before the tournament, with US Soccer chief executive JT Batson stating the federation was “excited” about building on progress made during Pochettino’s initial tenure.
Telemundo’s Andres Cantor first reported progress on the contract talks. Pochettino told Spanish-language media on 17 July that a decision on his future was coming “next week,” but neither the federation nor Pochettino has commented since. Sources said on Tuesday that both sides were eager to finalize the agreement to focus on the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies in late September and early October.
Financial terms and mixed results
Financial details of the potential new deal have not been disclosed, but one source close to the negotiations said Pochettino stands to earn “significantly” more than his previous contract. He currently earns roughly $6 million per year, excluding performance bonuses, with a $2.5 million signing bonus, making him the third-highest-earning international coach globally. That salary was partially subsidized by philanthropic support, notably from hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin.
Pochettino’s tenure has been a mixed bag. Early results included a fourth-place finish in the Nations League and a loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, balanced by more respectable performances, such as the US’s best-ever group-stage finish at a World Cup. However, the team’s 4-1 humiliation by Belgium in the World Cup last 16 remains a low point.
Interest from other clubs
Despite his mixed record, Pochettino attracted widespread interest during his tenure, most notably from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, where he had previously enjoyed success. He was also linked with Real Madrid, but both clubs have since filled their coaching vacancies.
