Bocchetti to coach the United States until the end of the 2030 World Cup

Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino has extended his contract as head coach of the United States men’s national team through the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer announced.

The 54-year-old manager took charge in 2024 and led the United States to the round of 16 at the most recent World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Pochettino, whose entire coaching staff also agreed to new contracts, said, “It has become clear to us that there is enormous potential to make the men’s national team program stronger.”

He added, “The passion we felt from fans throughout the World Cup has further strengthened our belief in what can be achieved here. We want to try to leave a lasting impact on the sport in the country that welcomed us with such warmth, and for that impact to extend beyond results on the pitch.”

The Americans recorded three wins in a single World Cup for the first time in their history before being eliminated by Belgium, following widespread controversy over FIFA’s decision to lift the suspension imposed on striker Folarin Balogun after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

Pochettino, formerly the manager of English club Tottenham Hotspur and French club Paris Saint-Germain, was appointed two years ago as the successor to Greg Berhalter, who stepped down after the U.S. was eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América hosted in the United States.

Pochettino helped turn things around, guiding the U.S. team to runners-up finish in the CONCACAF Gold Cup after a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the final.

Although his name had been linked with a return to managing European clubs, he will remain with the U.S. national team until the next World Cup, primarily hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said, “Mauricio has built a culture in which players trust the group, trust the process, and trust each other. We have seen the impact of that belief in the way the team has developed, competed, and performed on the world’s biggest football stage.”