United States Soccer Federation reportedly close to new deal with Mauricio Pochettino
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is reportedly nearing a new contract agreement with Mauricio Pochettino, who currently serves as the head coach for the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT). This development could bring an end to a decade of speculation linking Pochettino with the manager position at Manchester United.
Negotiations for the new deal are said to be progressing well. The proposed contract is reportedly for four years, extending through the 2030 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. While a deal is described as “close,” it is not yet finalised, with discussions ongoing between the parties.
Pochettino’s current contract with the USSF was set to conclude after the 2026 World Cup. Both the coach and the federation have expressed interest in continuing their partnership. An offer was reportedly extended to Pochettino prior to the World Cup, but talks were postponed until after the USMNT’s participation in the tournament concluded.
Under Pochettino’s leadership, the USMNT achieved a significant milestone this summer by winning a knockout round match for the first time in 24 years. Despite this, the team reached the round of 16, a stage they also achieved in 2010, 2014, and 2022. This performance, however, was noted to be in a round that did not previously exist due to the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams.
Telemundo broadcaster Andres Cantor initially reported that a renewal was imminent, a report later clarified by The Athletic, stating the deal is “close” but not yet complete. If the extension becomes official and Pochettino completes its duration, it would mark his longest coaching tenure, spanning six years with the USMNT.
Pochettino’s history and USMNT tenure
Pochettino was appointed head coach of the USMNT in the autumn of 2024, taking charge of his first matches in October of that year. His time with the team has seen both highs and lows. Notable achievements include a 5-1 friendly victory over Uruguay in November 2025, which capped a five-game unbeaten run (4-0-1), and significant wins in the World Cup against Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The team also had a strong group stage performance at the World Cup, winning multiple group games and securing first place in their group after just two matches, a first in the program’s history. This included their first knockout World Cup game win since 2002.
However, Pochettino’s tenure has also included challenges, such as defeats to Panama and Canada in the March 2025 Concacaf Nations League final four, and the program’s first four-game losing streak since 2007. The team’s World Cup exit came after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.
Throughout his career, Pochettino has been frequently linked with the Manchester United job. He was considered a candidate to replace Louis van Gaal a decade ago, before Jose Mourinho was appointed. Pochettino himself acknowledged earlier this year that United had “always shown interest,” but the “ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialised.”
He cited being under contract at PSG when United were looking to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2022, explaining that he “couldn’t negotiate” at the time. This new potential long-term commitment to the USMNT would seemingly put an end to the persistent rumours connecting him with Old Trafford.
Looking ahead for the USMNT
If the deal is finalised, Pochettino could become the first USMNT coach to lead the team in consecutive World Cups since Bruce Arena. This would provide him with the opportunity to guide the team through qualifying rounds, a Gold Cup, and potentially the 2028 Copa America, which is expected to be held in the United States.
USSF CEO JT Batson recently stated that the federation is in “active discussions with Mauricio and staff about the future,” expressing a shared belief that “the best days of U.S. Soccer are ahead of us.” Batson also noted Pochettino’s continued involvement in the federation’s long-term planning, including the recent hiring of Steve Cherundolo as coach of the men’s 2028 Olympic team.
Pochettino and his staff have indicated their commitment to addressing underlying issues within the USMNT program. The potential new contract would signify a long-term commitment from both sides, with the aim of further developing the team and impacting soccer at various levels across the country. The 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain is a key target for this extended partnership.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
