Story perspectives

U.S. Soccer Extends Pochettino Contract Through 2030 World Cup

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Soccer announced on 4 August 2026 that Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino signed a new contract extending his tenure through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The five-year, 323-day contract also tasks him with leading the 2027 and 2029 CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup cycles.
He will serve in an advisory capacity on youth pathways and the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center.
Philanthropic donors such as Ken Griffin are providing a competitive salary.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, the U.S. Soccer Federation hired coach Guus Hiddink to lead the women’s national team, culminating in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup win. Hiddink secured a $1 million salary and oversaw a 30 percent rise in youth academy budgets, while Nike contributed $5 million toward player development programs. Pochettino’s five-year, 323-day contract, backed by donor Ken Griffin, similarly ties the senior men’s squad to the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center and youth pathways. By replicating Hiddink’s long-term model, U.S. Soccer hopes to translate structured coaching into consistent World Cup competitiveness for the men’s team.

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Story summary

U.S. Soccer announced on 4 August 2026 that Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino signed a new contract extending his tenure through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The five-year, 323-day contract also tasks him with leading the 2027 and 2029 CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup cycles.
He will serve in an advisory capacity on youth pathways and the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center.
Philanthropic donors such as Ken Griffin are providing a competitive salary.

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