Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 30
Pochettino Nears USMNT Deal Through 2030 World Cup After 4-1 Belgium Exit
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Pochettino Nears USMNT Deal Through 2030 World Cup After 4-1 Belgium Exit

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Summary

  • Multiple reports say Mauricio Pochettino is close to a new contract that would keep him as U.S. men’s coach through the 2030 World Cup.
  • The move follows the expiration of his deal after the 2026 tournament, where the United States topped its group, beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, then crashed out 4-1 to Belgium.
  • Pochettino said after that loss he would rest and talk with the federation, while U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the sides were already in active discussions about the future.
  • U.S. Soccer appears to be betting on continuity after a cycle in which the team showed more aggressive play, even as the Belgium defeat exposed roster weaknesses and costly individual errors.
  • Keeping the 54-year-old would also avoid a difficult search in a thin elite coaching market ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Insights

Can a high-priced coach truly fix the team's glaring defensive flaws before the 2030 cycle begins?
Does rewarding a devastating knockout-stage collapse with a massive pay raise signal progress or settling for mediocrity?