United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after his side collapsed to a 3-1 defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The co-hosts fell behind inside 10 minutes, equalised early in the second half, but then conceded again moments later, prompting an explosive reaction from the Argentine manager.
Early shock and defensive errors
Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, capitalising on poor defending from the USMNT. Alex Freeman headed the ball back into danger, and Sergino Dest failed to provide cover. The camera panned to Pochettino, who appeared stunned by the defensive lapse.
Despite the early setback, the USMNT struggled to regain composure as Belgium dominated the opening 23 minutes. The hydration break provided a lifeline, and Malik Tillman levelled the score from a free kick—his second consecutive set-piece goal after scoring against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Pochettino loses his cool
However, the USMNT found themselves trailing again just moments later. De Ketelaere headed home at the far post after more questionable defending, completing his double. Pochettino vented his frustration by kicking a box of Powerade bottles on the touchline, visibly losing his composure. Dest was again culpable in the build-up and was substituted at half-time.
According to the Mirror US, the defensive lapses continued in the second half. Goalkeeper Matt Freese surrendered possession outside his own box, allowing Hans Vanaken to strike into an unguarded net, making it 3-1.
Off-field distractions
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by controversy over Folarin Balogun's eligibility. FIFA cleared the striker to play despite a one-match ban, sparking uproar after FIFA President Gianni Infantino held talks with US President Donald Trump. Pochettino insisted before the match that the saga had not distracted his side.
He said: "Of course, to have all the players available is good news. Of course, to have the facility to have Balo again with us and being available is important for the team. I think he has scored three goals, and I think he's doing a fantastic job. But that's why he's brilliant for us and is important for the team. I hope that today he can show his quality."
Injury blow and elimination
Compounding the defeat, Pochettino also lost captain Christian Pulisic to injury soon after Belgium's third goal. With Canada and Mexico already eliminated in the Round of 16, the USMNT were the last North American hope, but their defensive frailties proved costly.
The 3-1 loss ended the United States' World Cup campaign, leaving Pochettino to reflect on a tournament that promised much but delivered disappointment.
