Pochettino signed a new deal to coach the USMNT through 2030, locking in continuity for two World Cup cycles. The Argentine has stabilized the program after a disastrous Copa America performance, and the federation clearly believes he's the right man to rebuild toward Canada-Mexico-USA 2026 and beyond.
Here's the problem: a contract through 2030 doesn't mean much if Manchester United or Liverpool comes knocking with a nine-figure offer. Pochettino has always been a manager with his eyes on elite club jobs. He left PSG and Tottenham for Chelsea. He won't turn down a top-six Premier League club because he's committed to a national team deal, no matter how long the contract reads.
The USMNT needs results before 2026. Getting out of the group stage at minimum, ideally pushing deeper. If Pochettino delivers that and the U.S. looks competitive, he becomes more valuable to big clubs and more likely to leave. The federation built a trap for itself by making this deal too long. They can't control what happens if Europe's biggest clubs decide they want their coach.
For now, Pochettino has the stability to build a system. Whether he's around to see it through is another question entirely.