United states: United States head football coach Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to lead the men's team through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, US Soccer announced on Monday. This decision follows his successful tenure in which he took the team to the round of 16 at this year's finals.
According to Ghana Web, the 54-year-old Argentine, known for his high-pressing, attacking style of play, assumed leadership of the national side in 2024 after parting ways with Chelsea earlier that year. His initial contract was set to run through the 2026 World Cup. US Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement, highlighting the potential to build on the progress of the USMNT and the momentum of US soccer.
Under Pochettino's management, the US team topped their World Cup group, surpassing Australia, Paraguay, and Turkiye. This successful group stage performance, yielding six points, marked the highest-ever total for the men's team at the tournament. Despite a promising campaign, the team faced a setback with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16, following a victory over Bosnia.
Pochettino acknowledged the synergy with US Soccer over the past two years, noting the potential to further strengthen the men's national team program. He also mentioned the impactful support from fans during the World Cup, reinforcing the possibilities for future success.
Before his role with the US national team, Pochettino earned recognition as a former Argentina defender. He guided Southampton to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League in 2013, which was the club's highest-ever finish at that time. His career also includes leading Tottenham Hotspur to their first Champions League final in 2019 and steering Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title in 2022. Pochettino departed Chelsea by mutual consent in 2024 after a season that concluded with a sixth-place finish.