The United States Soccer Federation has presented head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a new contract that would extend through a second World Cup cycle in 2030.
As per The Athletic 's Adam Crafton, U.S. Soccer leadership and Pochettino have been discussing an extension for "several months," with a proposal on the table to keep the Argentine coach in charge for another 4 years. The offer was put forward ahead of the World Cup, though both parties have indicated their preference to wait until the tournament concludes before reaching a decision.
Nevertheless, U.S. Soccer reportedly wanted to "signpost its interest" to Pochettino, who made little effort to conceal his frustration with the media following his side's 3-2 defeat to Turkey on Thursday. The 54-year-old raised eyebrows last month when he held talks with representatives from AC Milan prior to joining the U.S. men's national team for its World Cup camp.
Holding onto Pochettino won't be inexpensive, with an extension likely positioning him among the highest-paid coaches in the world. Based on a historical tax filing covering April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, his pro-rated base salary stands at approximately $4 million, excluding bonuses and incentives that could push his total compensation to around $5-6 million in a non-World Cup year.
Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Pochettino left the door open to his future with the USMNT following this year's World Cup.
"It's difficult to describe or know your future," he said. "But when you are here, I think it's difficult now to see yourself living in another place, because for sure, we will miss it if one day we don't stay here in this country. We told the federation we are open, but we don't want to distract when all the energy needs to be with my players."
Pochettino subsequently expressed his desire to develop soccer in the United States, adding: "If the American people start to show passion in our sport too, why not be here being part of something that can create a legacy?
"The legacy is not to win the World Cup. Of course, we want to win, but that [connection] is the legacy we need if one day we want to be very successful and be consistent. Why not be part of that?"
Enthusiasm for American soccer is currently at an unprecedented level, fueled by Pochettino and the USMNT, which secured its spot in the knockout rounds as group winners. The Stars and Stripes convincingly beat Paraguay and Australia to advance to the Round of 32, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When pressed on whether the USMNT's 3-2 loss to Turkey in Thursday's dead-rubber fixture would affect the squad's momentum heading into the knockout stages, Pochettino was unequivocal. "It's very positive to finish in the way that we finished," he declared.
"It cannot be possible, I'm sorry, guys. It cannot be possible that Turkiye finish celebrating the three points and Australia celebrating the qualification, but I was celebrating the qualification and come here, and for you not to say congratulations that we won the group, that is a little bit sad. But only that. I need to remember you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry, guys, we won."
