Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly nearing a new contract agreement with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to continue as the head coach of the USMNT. Discussions between the two parties are described as progressing well, with a deal said to be “close” but not yet finalised.
The proposed new contract is reportedly for four years, extending through to the 2030 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This potential extension would mark the longest tenure of Pochettino’s coaching career, should he see it through.
Pochettino’s Tenure and Achievements
Pochettino became the first U.S. men’s national team coach to win a knockout round match in 24 years this summer. Despite this achievement, the team reached the round of 16. The expansion of the tournament contributed to the team’s ability to reach this round.
Under Pochettino, the U.S. team had a strong group stage performance at the World Cup. They won multiple group games and secured first place in their group after just two matches, a first in the program’s history. The team also secured its first knockout World Cup game win since 2002, in a round that was new due to the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams.
However, the team was eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16 after a loss to Belgium. Following this, Pochettino expressed his happiness with the team, stating, “We’ve built a very good relationship.”
Previous Links and Future Commitments
Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United head coach position for a decade, with reports suggesting his name would come up whenever there was a change in management at Old Trafford. He was considered a candidate to replace Louis van Gaal a decade ago, and again when United sought to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2022. However, these opportunities never materialised due to various circumstances, including Pochettino being under contract with PSG at the time.
Pochettino acknowledged to FourFourTwo earlier this year that “United have always shown interest. But the ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialised.”
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson recently confirmed active discussions with Pochettino and his staff regarding their future. Batson noted a shared belief that “the best days of U.S. Soccer are ahead of us” and that Pochettino and his team are enthusiastic about influencing soccer at all levels within every community.
Pochettino’s initial contract with the USSF ran through the 2026 World Cup. Both sides had previously indicated interest in continuing their partnership, with an offer extended to Pochettino before the World Cup, though talks were postponed until after the U.S. team’s participation in the tournament concluded. Telemundo broadcaster Andres Cantor first reported that a renewal was close.
The potential new deal would see Pochettino commit his long-term future away from Old Trafford, effectively ending a decade of speculation linking him with the Manchester United role. If the deal is finalised, Pochettino would have the opportunity to lead the team through qualifying, a Gold Cup, and potentially the 2028 Copa America in the United States.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”