Roared on by a fervent home crowd in Seattle and buoyed by impressive wins in the group stage and round of 32, the US had entered the match with belief they could upset a Belgium team many considered vulnerable.
Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the United States, looks on at half time during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (AFP/Luke Hales)
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side failed to show their true level in a crushing 4-1 defeat by Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, as he declined to blame off-field distractions for the hosts' exit.Roared on by a fervent home crowd in Seattle and buoyed by impressive wins in the group stage and round of 32, the US had entered the match with belief they could upset a Belgium team many considered vulnerable.
Instead, Pochettino's side produced their most hesitant display of the tournament and were punished by a clinical Belgian team.
"We didn't show our real quality as a team," Pochettino told a press conference.
