RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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After leading the United States men's national team to its best World Cup finish in two decades, Mauricio Pochettino is likely sticking around to finish what he started. The USMNT head coach is "close" to finalizing a deal with the USMNT that would keep him under contract through the 2030 World Cup, according to The Athletic.
Financial terms of the deal — which has not been finalized just yet — are not known at this time.
🚨 Mauricio Pochettino on course to agree new contract & extend reign as USA head coach through to 2030 World Cup. Barring unexpected change of heart 54yo Argentine boss set to remain in charge of #USMNT for next cycle @TheAthleticFC after @AndresCantorGOL https://t.co/TYHr8JVuHm
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 29, 2026
Pochettino had been reportedly offered a four-year extension partway through a 2026 World Cup run during which the team won their group , scored more goals than they had in any previous tournament and picked up their first knockout win in 24 years. Pochettino's current contract was set to expire now that this summer's tournament is over.
Pochettino was hired by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) in 2024 to take over after two failed Gregg Berhalter stints. Typically, federations try to hire international managers for a full World Cup cycle, which is every four years. But USSF's choice to re-hire ( and later re-fire ) Berhalter shortened the window by the time the federation landed on Pochettino to take over.
Still, in just two years, Pochettino was able to build one of the strongest U.S. squads in decades, capitalizing on the talent currently in the U.S. roster pool and putting unlikely players in the position to thrive. Though Pochettino did his best to downplay the USMNT's chances , hopes sailed high for the team coming out of the group stage.
The USMNT's journey at the 2026 World Cup concluded with a disastrous loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, surrounded by controversy that Pochettino also downplayed . But even with the defeat, it marked the U.S.'s best result at the tournament since a quarterfinal finish in 2002.
The Argentine manager fully embraced American culture throughout the home World Cup. But the question became whether he would want to stay.
It's common for international managers to leave their team after the World Cup — especially with a number of attractive club positions open in Europe — both Pochettino and USSF has expressed interest in continuing to work together . The coach said earlier this month that he would make a decision this week.
Now, with Pochettino's future nearly settled, the USMNT can look to the next chapter.
This story will be updated.
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