Shocking Pay Disparity Exposed: Pochettino's Salary Dwarfs Hayes' Despite Equal Success
Mauricio Pochettino is set to guide the U.S. men's national soccer team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and receives substantial compensation for this role, as revealed by the U.S. Soccer Federation's tax documents detailing his and other officials' salaries.
The Argentine manager collected slightly more than $5 million during his initial seven months in charge, having assumed the position after replacing Gregg Berhalter and interim coach B.J. Callaghan.
Although the documents don't specify his exact salary due to his 2024 hiring date, calculations based on his earnings suggest an annual compensation of $6,040,600. This creates a substantial disparity between his pay and that of U.S. women's national team coach Emma Hayes, who was appointed in 2023 and earns an estimated $1,116,835 annually.
In contrast, during 2025, the dismissed Berhalter, currently managing MLS club Chicago Fire, received nearly $700,000 in base pay, $325,000 in "bonus and incentive compensation," plus approximately $750,000 in severance following his termination with two years left on his deal.
Do the Results Justify the Compensation?
Although Pochettino's compensation is notable, it represents a significant decrease from the reported $13 to $14 million he received during his single season managing Chelsea in the Premier League throughout the 2023–24 season.
Since assuming control of the USMNT, Pochettino has achieved an 8W-2L-2D record. Despite early challenges in establishing a stable roster and achieving consistent victories, including disappointments at the 2025 Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, recent performances—remaining unbeaten in the past five matches—demonstrate notable improvement.
This summer, he will guide the USMNT in the country's second men's World Cup hosted domestically, with the squad placed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and one team from Turkïye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
Regarding the women's program, Hayes directed the USWNT through a friendly-focused 2025 season after their Olympic gold triumph at the Paris 2024 Games. The squad remains unbeaten in 2026 following three March matches. The upcoming year will also feature the former Chelsea women's coach competing in the Concacaf Championship, which determines qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Beyond the head coaches in 2025, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson received $898,787, comprising $658,787 in salary and $240,000 in bonuses. Sporting director Matt Crocker earned $990,792, including $658,787 in base salary, $179,100 in bonuses, and $152,905 as a relocation allowance.
How Pochettino's Compensation Measures Against Other International Men's Coaches
Although international team coaching salaries remain confidential, a GiveMeSport analysis indicated that Pochettino ranks as the third-highest-compensated manager in men's international football.
His earnings fall behind only Thomas Tuchel's England compensation of approximately $6.7 million per year, and Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil contract, which reportedly reaches an impressive $11 million annually.
Additional high-earning coaches include Fabio Cannavaro leading World Cup newcomers Uzbekistan, Julian Nagelsmann with Germany, and Roberto Martínez managing Portugal.
Pochettino's future with the U.S. squad beyond the World Cup remains uncertain, as the manager has previously expressed his desire to "love to come back" to English Premier League club management.