USMNT agree to new contract with coach Mauricio Pochettino through 2030 World Cup as obvious theme emerges

Dana Perino and Jonathan Bornstein discuss the financial hurdles in U.S. youth soccer, where high costs hinder talent development. Bornstein highlights the longstanding pay-to-play issue that limits opportunities for lower-income families. Average annual spending per child has surged by 69% since 2019, revealing a systemic problem that needs restructuring.

Familiarity will be a theme for the U.S. men's national soccer team at the 2030 World Cup.

Despite major speculation before and throughout the 2026 World Cup that manager Mauricio Pochettino was leaning toward returning to the club level, the United States Soccer Federation announced Monday that the 54-year-old had agreed to a new contract to keep him on the red, white, and blue sideline through 2030.

"Working together with U.S. Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the Men’s National Team program even stronger," Pochettino said in the announcement.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino watches during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the United States and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 12, 2026. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)

LANDON DONOVAN SAYS SOCCER HAS ARRIVED IN AMERICA AFTER RECORD-BREAKING WORLD CUP SUMMER

"The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. We are excited by the opportunity to bring all our experience and knowledge to even more areas of U.S. Soccer while helping strengthen the pathways for players, coaches and teams across the Federation. We want to try to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country that has welcomed us so warmly and for that impact to extend beyond results