US Soccer offers extension to Mauricio Pochettino after World Cup loss

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the federation is in “active discussions” with Mauricio Pochettino and his staff about the coach’s future following the United States men’s national team’s 4‑1 round‑of‑16 defeat to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. The federation has presented Pochettino with a contract extension that could run through the 2030 World Cup cycle, with a reported salary of about $6 million per year plus a signing bonus.

Pochettino confirmed he will decide within the next week whether to stay, telling Spanish radio Cadena Cope that an offer had been made and that he is “evaluating it, looking at it.” The Argentine manager, who took the US job in September 2024, remains a target for several European clubs, but U.S. Soccer appears eager to retain him.

Digital‑asset firms Kraken and Chiliz have signaled interest in sponsoring the USMNT if Pochettino remains in charge, highlighting the broader commercial implications of the contract decision.