The United States' remarkable run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has thrust head coach Mauricio Pochettino into the spotlight. After guiding the Americans to their first men's World Cup knockout victory since 2002, the Argentine manager has become one of the most talked-about figures in international soccer.
But his success has also renewed interest in another question: just how much is Pochettino paid to coach the U.S. Men's National Team, and who is footing the bill?
The answer is striking. Pochettino earns approximately $6 million per year, making him the highest-paid coach in U.S. Soccer history and one of the three highest-paid national team managers in the world. According to U.S. Soccer's latest tax filings, his annualized base salary is about $6.04 million, excluding performance bonuses and incentives.
That salary is significantly higher than that of his predecessor, Gregg Berhalter, who reportedly earned around $2 million annually, and more than five times the salary of U.S. women's national team coach Emma Hayes.
Billionaires Helped Bring Pochettino to the U.S.
Unlike most national team coaching contracts, however, Pochettino's salary is not paid solely by the United States Soccer Federation.
When U.S. Soccer decided to replace Berhalter following the team's disappointing exit from the 2024 Copa América, federation officials knew hiring a coach with elite European credentials would be expensive.
Enter billionaire hedge fund managers Kenneth C. Griffin and Scott Goodwin.
Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel, made what U.S. Soccer described as a "significant philanthropic leadership gift" to help finance Pochettino's hiring. Goodwin, an investor and longtime soccer supporter, also contributed financially after helping spearhead the effort to recruit the former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea F.C. manager. Commercial partners also contributed to the funding package.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone has acknowledged that signing Pochettino likely would not have been possible without those outside contributions.
A Historic Investment
Pochettino accepted the U.S. job in September 2024 after leaving Chelsea earlier that year. While his salary is lower than what he earned managing top European clubs, it still represents an unprecedented financial commitment by U.S. Soccer as the federation sought to maximize its chances at a home World Cup.
The investment appears to be paying off.
The Americans advanced from the group stage before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, giving the U.S. its first men's World Cup knockout victory in 24 years. Pochettino has also transformed the team's culture by expanding the player pool, demanding greater intensity and emphasizing accountability.
Could He Stay Beyond 2026?
Pochettino originally signed a contract running through the 2026 World Cup, but his success has prompted U.S. Soccer to offer him an extension through the 2030 World Cup cycle. Reports indicate the Argentine plans to make a decision after the current tournament concludes.
If he accepts, keeping one of international soccer's highest-paid coaches will likely require continued financial backing from U.S. Soccer and its wealthy benefactors. For now, though, few American fans appear to be questioning whether the investment has been worth it.
