US Soccer Engages Pochettino in Ongoing Contract Discussions

WHO:

The New York Times - U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General JT Batson

The New York Times - Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. men's national team (USMNT)

The New York Times - Folarin Balogun, U.S. striker

The New York Times - FIFA president Gianni Infantino

The New York Times - Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development

The New York Times - Dan Helfrich, U.S. Soccer chief operating officer

WHAT:

The New York Times - U.S. Soccer is in discussions about extending Mauricio Pochettino's contract.

The New York Times - The U.S. men's national team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

The New York Times - Balogun received a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to a one-game suspension.

The New York Times - President Trump intervened to allow Balogun to play against Belgium after a call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The match against Belgium took place in Seattle.

The New York Times - Discussions were held at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The U.S. men's national team was eliminated from the World Cup after a match against Belgium.

The New York Times - The discussions about Pochettino's future are ongoing.

WHY:

The New York Times - Batson expressed optimism about Pochettino continuing with the team, believing that the best days of U.S. Soccer are ahead.

The New York Times - The involvement of President Trump was seen as a way to address what was perceived as an injustice regarding Balogun's suspension.

HOW:

The New York Times - U.S. Soccer is engaging in long-term planning with Pochettino and his staff to improve soccer from youth levels to the senior team.

The New York Times - Discussions included the hiring of Steve Cherundolo as the coach of the men’s Olympic team.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 01:26 UTC)

U.S. Soccer is currently in discussions about extending Mauricio Pochettino's contract as the head coach of the men's national team, following their recent elimination from the World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle. President Trump intervened to allow striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a one-game suspension due to a red card received in a previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was seen as addressing an injustice. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed optimism about Pochettino's future with the team, emphasizing that they are engaging in long-term planning to enhance soccer development from youth levels to the senior team.