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Pochettino Extends Deal, Leads US in September Friendlies

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mauricio Pochettino will coach the U.S. team in friendlies after extending his contract through the 2030 World Cup.
The games—Sept. 26 vs Peru in Orlando, Sept. 29 vs Chile in St. Louis, Oct. 3 vs Mexico in Glendale, Oct. 6 vs Canada in St. Paul—fit into a September-October window.
Pochettino said players must treat every game as critical to prepare the team for November CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals and 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign.

History

Historical Context

After the United States staged the 1994 men’s World Cup, sparking a surge in domestic soccer interest, FIFA’s hosting policy shifted toward multi-nation tournaments, culminating in the 2026 bid—won by the Canada-Mexico-U.S. trio with 134 votes. Pochettino’s 2024 extension echoes past calls for coaching continuity, a strategy linked to those long-term development trends.

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Story summary

Mauricio Pochettino will coach the U.S. team in friendlies after extending his contract through the 2030 World Cup.
The games—Sept. 26 vs Peru in Orlando, Sept. 29 vs Chile in St. Louis, Oct. 3 vs Mexico in Glendale, Oct. 6 vs Canada in St. Paul—fit into a September-October window.
Pochettino said players must treat every game as critical to prepare the team for November CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals and 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign.

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