world-cup

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

Mauricio Pochettino has been announced as the head coach of the U.S. Soccer team for the upcoming 2030 World Cup, bringing his extensive experience to the role.

Mauricio Pochettino will continue as the head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team through the 2030 World Cup, following a successful campaign in the recently concluded 2026 World Cup held in the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Soccer officials on Monday.

Commitment to U.S. Soccer's Future

The 54-year-old Argentine coach expressed his belief in the potential of American soccer, stating that there is "tremendous potential" to elevate the sport in the country. Pochettino's new contract comes shortly after he guided the U.S. team to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Belgium.

U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson emphasized the importance of Pochettino's role in the future of the national team. "We know we have a lot of work to do to achieve our clear ambitions, including competing to win Men’s World Cups," Batson said. He expressed excitement about Pochettino and his staff's commitment to the project aimed at enhancing the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) and U.S. Soccer as a whole.

Building on World Cup Experience

Despite the disappointment of not reaching the quarterfinals, Pochettino remains optimistic about the team's potential. He noted that the World Cup experience has only strengthened their belief in what can be achieved. "The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here," he stated.

Pochettino, who has previously managed high-profile clubs such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, took over the U.S. men's program in 2024. His early tenure saw a mixed record, with 15 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw leading into the World Cup. However, his attacking style garnered praise as the U.S. team won their group and set a record for goals scored during the tournament.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Pochettino aims to leverage his experience to create lasting impacts on American soccer, focusing on strengthening pathways for players, coaches, and teams across the Federation.

Source: nbcnews.com