MAURICIO POCHETTINO TO LEAD USA INTO 2030 WORLD CUP AFTER SIGNING NEW CONTRACT
In a significant development for U.S. Soccer, Mauricio Pochettino has officially inked a new contract to coach the United States men’s national team as they prepare for the 2030 World Cup. This announcement was made on Monday, following the impressive performance of the team in the last World Cup, where they reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2002.
The 54-year-old Argentine coach, known for his high-pressing and attacking style of play, took the reins of the U.S. team in 2024 after parting ways with Chelsea. His previous contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, but the potential he sees in American soccer has inspired this new agreement.
According to JT Batson, CEO of U.S. Soccer, “Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States, and our new project allows us to build on the progress of the USMNT and the momentum of U.S. Soccer.” This commitment comes as the U.S. men’s team finished atop their World Cup group, a historic achievement with six points, the highest ever for the men’s team in tournament history.
Under Pochettino’s guidance, the U.S. progressed further than expected, first defeating Bosnia in the last 32 before succumbing to Belgium in a 4-1 defeat, an outcome that fell short of the ambitions set for the team, particularly playing on home soil.
Pochettino shared his enthusiasm about the future, stating, “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. The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here.”
Pochettino’s career has been marked by notable achievements, including steering Southampton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League in 2013, the club’s highest at that time. Additionally, he led Tottenham Hotspur to their first Champions League final in 2019 and helped Paris St Germain secure the Ligue 1 title in 2022. After a turbulent season with Chelsea, he departed the club by mutual consent in 2024, ultimately returning to manage the U.S. men’s national team.
