Mauricio Pochettino to return as U.S. Soccer coach for 2030 World Cup

SoccerMauricio Pochettino to return as U.S. Soccer coach for 2030 World CupThe 54-year-old Argentine led America to the round of 16 in the recently completed World Cup, played on home soil.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Mauricio Pochettino consoles a dejected Chris Richards after being knocked out during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6.Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleAug. 3, 2026, 9:32 AM EDTBy Andrew GreifMauricio Pochettino agreed to a new contract to remain U.S. Soccer’s men’s national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, officials said Monday.The deal to keep Pochettino in red, white and blue came less than a month after the 54-year-old Argentine led the U.S. to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, played on home soil. “Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States and our new project allows us to build on progress of the USMNT and the momentum of U.S. Soccer,” U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson said in a statement. “We know we have a lot of work to do to achieve our clear ambitions, including competing to win Men’s World Cups and having soccer become the most played sport in every community. I couldn’t be more excited that Mauricio and team are committed to partnering with all of us to do the hard work to bring those ambitions to life.”From Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino coached several of the world’s highest-profile clubs but had never led a national team before taking over the U.S. men’s program in 2024. His early results were mixed, with a 15-10-1 record entering the 2026 World Cup as he tested multiple lineup combinations. His attacking style quickly earned praise once the tournament opened as the U.S. won its group and scored a team record for goals. The U.S. beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout round of 32 before exiting in the round of 16 to Belgium in a deflating 4-1 defeat.Ma...