Pochettino USMNT Contract Announcement Expected Within Days
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- Cindy Parlow Cone told Apple TV that extension talks with Pochettino and his staff have been "going very well," teasing an announcement "in the coming days."
- Mauricio Pochettino first joined U.S. Soccer in 2024 on a two-year contract that expired after the 2026 World Cup, where the USMNT topped Group D with wins over Australia and Paraguay before a 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium.
- U.S. Soccer wants to retain Pochettino through the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, sources told ESPN — a four-year cycle.
- Pochettino confirmed on Spanish radio Cadena Cope on July 16 that he and his staff were still "evaluating" the federation's offer, saying a decision would come the following week.
- USSF CEO JT Batson approached Pochettino in May to ask if he was "open to listen" to the federation's project for the next four years.
- The U.S. men's national team is slated to return to action for friendlies during the September FIFA international window.
Why it matters: USSF's preference is clear: keep Pochettino through 2030 despite the USMNT's 4-1 Belgium loss in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. But Pochettino told Cadena Cope on July 16 he was still "evaluating" — meaning the federation's preference doesn't guarantee a deal ahead of September friendlies.
