The United States’ men’s national team crashed out of the World Cup on Monday with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, capping a day overshadowed by controversy over the decision to overturn striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension.
Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been in charge of the team since 2024, took responsibility for the defeat.
“We didn’t play well. We were never in the game. Not even when we equalized,” he said after the match.
Belgium took the lead after just nine minutes. The U.S. equalized in the 31st minute, but Belgium restored its advantage two minutes later before adding further goals in the 57th minute and stoppage time.
“From the start, we couldn’t get into the game at all. Belgium was better than us, and we congratulate them. They deserved it,” Pochettino said.
