Reports: USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino 'close' to new deal

The United States men's national team is nearing a contract extension with head coach Mauricio Pochettino, multiple outlets reported Tuesday, with The Athletic saying a deal is "close."

Pochettino guided the USMNT to first place in Group D at the World Cup with a 2-1-0 record. The team went on to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32 before falling to Belgium 4-1, one round shy of the quarterfinals while playing on home soil in Seattle.

It was the first time the United States earned three victories at a single World Cup.

Pochettino was hired to the USMNT role in September 2024 to replace Gregg Berhalter at a reported $6 million per year. Reports indicated he was offered an extension before the World Cup began.

The 54-year-old has been a head coach at some of the top clubs in Europe, including Tottenham in England, Paris Saint-Germain in France and Chelsea in England.

A four-year deal would potentially take Pochettino through the 2030 World Cup, which is primarily scheduled to be played in Portugal, Spain and Morocco, assuming he does not depart for a different role.

The USMNT will take the field for the first time since the World Cup in September and October for friendlies against yet-to-be determined opponents.

Reports indicated before, during and after the World Cup that clubs in Europe were interested in hiring the Argentina native.