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Pochettino agrees to new contract with US Soccer through to 2030 World Cup

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-03

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract to continue as head coach of the US men's national soccer team (USMNT) through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, following a successful run in the 2026 World Cup where the team reached the round of 16. • Why it matters: This extension reflects US Soccer's confidence in Pochettino's leadership and vision, aiming to build on the team's recent successes and enhance the competitive standing of soccer in the United States. • What to watch next: Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Pochettino's implementation of his coaching style and strategies as the USMNT prepares for upcoming challenges leading to the 2030 World Cup.

**Pochettino Extends Contract with US Soccer Through 2030 World Cup**

**August 3, 2026** - Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT), has officially agreed to a new contract that will see him lead the team through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This announcement was made by US Soccer on Monday, following a successful campaign in the recent World Cup where the team reached the round of 16.

Pochettino, 54, took the helm of the USMNT in 2024 after parting ways with Chelsea. His initial contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, but the new agreement reflects the confidence US Soccer has in his leadership and vision for the future of soccer in the United States.

Under Pochettino's guidance, the USMNT achieved notable success in the 2026 World Cup, finishing first in their group, which included teams from Australia, Paraguay, and Turkiye. The team collected six points, marking the highest total ever for the men's squad in a World Cup tournament. They advanced to the knockout stage, where they defeated Bosnia in the round of 32 before facing a challenging match against Belgium, which ended in a 4-1 defeat.

In a statement regarding his contract extension, Pochettino expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of the USMNT. "Working together with US 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," he said. He also highlighted the passionate support from fans during the World Cup as a motivating factor for the team's future endeavors.

US Soccer CEO JT Batson echoed Pochettino's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of building on the progress made by the national team. "Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States, and our new project allows us to build on the momentum of US Soccer," Batson stated in a press release.

Pochettino's coaching career has been marked by significant achievements. He previously led Southampton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, which was the club's highest-ever position at that time. His tenure with Tottenham Hotspur was particularly notable, as he guided the team to its first Champions League final in 2019. More recently, he secured the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. After a challenging stint at Chelsea, where he mutually agreed to part ways with the club in 2024, Pochettino took on the responsibility of shaping the future of US soccer.

As the USMNT prepares for the upcoming challenges leading to the 2030 World Cup, Pochettino's contract extension signals a commitment to developing the team and enhancing its competitive standing on the global stage. The soccer community in the United States will be watching closely as Pochettino implements his high-pressing, attacking style of play, aiming to build on the successes of the past World Cup and inspire a new generation of soccer players and fans.

Source: Al Jazeera
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