Pochettino Extends USMNT Stay to 2030 Ahead of Four-Friendly Rebuild
Mauricio Pochettino has committed his future to the United States through 2030, with four home friendlies in 11 days set to launch the USMNT’s response to its Round of 16 World Cup loss to Belgium.
Pochettino gets extended run at US rebuild
The new deal gives Pochettino a full cycle to reshape the national team following a disappointing World Cup on home soil. His immediate test is far from routine: the United States will face Peru on September 26, Chile on September 29, Mexico on October 3 and Canada on October 6.
The expanded fall schedule goes beyond the usual two-match international window and gives the head coach a valuable chance to assess options across his squad before 2030 World Cup qualifying begins.
Pochettino has selected 28 players, two more than a standard 26-man group, to handle the compressed programme and provide cover for potential injuries. He has made clear that places are at stake, saying he expects the players to approach every match as if it matters.
Sullivan in line for senior breakthrough
Cavan Sullivan is the standout inclusion. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union prospect could make his senior USMNT debut after producing six goals and five assists since the beginning of August.
The teenager joins a group still developing its identity after the World Cup exit, with Pochettino aiming to carry the backing the team received during the summer into the next international cycle.
- September 26: Peru visit Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
- September 29: Chile meet the USMNT at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
- October 3: Mexico face the United States at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
- October 6: Canada complete the four-game run at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
South American tests bring difficult history
Peru arrive under coach Mano Menezes after narrowly failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They are ranked 50th in the FIFA standings, while their last meeting with the United States ended 1-1 in 2018.
Chile present a longer-standing problem for the Americans. Their most recent encounter was another 1-1 draw, in 2019, but La Roja hold a 5-3-3 advantage in the all-time series. The USMNT have not beaten Chile since 2000.
What happens next
Every match in the four-fixture stretch will air on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Universo and Peacock. After the friendlies, the United States return to competitive football in November for home-and-away Concacaf Nations League quarter-final ties.
Those games will mark the first competitive stage of a cycle leading toward the 2030 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
- Pochettino remains USMNT head coach until 2030.
- A 28-player call-up is designed for four fixtures across 11 days.
- Sullivan could earn his first senior international appearance at 16.
- November’s Nations League quarter-finals are the next competitive assignment.
