Mauricio Pochettino close to agreeing new deal as USA head coach | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino looks likely to remain in charge of the United States men’s national team.

According to The Athletic, the former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain manager is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the US.

Negotiations between both parties have made steady progress since the USA’s World Cup exit.

There are still some fine details to be finalised, but there’s also growing confidence that Pochettino will continue leading the national team beyond the 2026 World Cup.

His current contract was originally due to expire after the tournament, but both Pochettino and the US Soccer federation have shown a clear desire to extend their partnership. 

Discussions were temporarily paused during the World Cup to allow the team to focus fully on the competition before resuming afterwards.

If completed, the new deal would keep Pochettino in charge through the 2030 World Cup. 

Details regarding the financial terms have not been made public, and a few aspects of the agreement are still being resolved.

The United States had an encouraging World Cup campaign under Pochettino despite a disappointing exit in the round of 16. 

The Americans topped their group after winning their opening two matches, marking the first time in the team’s history they secured first place so early in the tournament. 

They also celebrated their first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium.

Following that defeat, Pochettino hinted that discussions about his future would take place once everyone had the opportunity to reflect on the tournament.

He expressed satisfaction with the relationship he had built with the federation, suggesting both sides shared a positive working environment.

US Soccer CEO JT Batson has also spoken positively about the ongoing talks, revealing that Pochettino and his coaching staff are key parts of the federation’s long-term plans. 

“From a men’s national team coaching standpoint, we’re in active discussions with Mauricio and staff about the future,” US Soccer CEO JT Batson said recently. 

“We all share a belief that the best days of US Soccer are ahead of us, and they’re excited about the opportunity to impact soccer at all levels in every community.”