Pochettino Defends Progress Despite Heavy Defeat
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged patience following his team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting the squad has made significant strides over the past year. Speaking after the match at Seattle Stadium, Pochettino rejected the notion that closing the gap on elite football nations could happen overnight, emphasizing a gradual development process.
"The improvement or growth is not like you are in a rocket and you improve and go like this (upwards)," Pochettino told reporters, as quoted by The Athletic. "One year ago, before the Gold Cup, no one believed we could arrive today against Belgium, one of the contenders to win the World Cup. In one year, we think we were in a mess, but today, thinking today the way we performed in the World Cup, we have improved a lot. But sometimes you need to go little by little."
Pochettino Proud of Young Squad's Performance
The USA manager expressed pride in his team's overall tournament display and highlighted the potential of the younger players. "I'm so proud. In one year, this team, in all the circumstances, showed we can play football, we can compete, and there are a lot of young players with potential for the future. It's about to keep believing in that process," he added.
When asked about his future and contract status beyond the World Cup, Pochettino said it was not the right time for decisions. "Now, it's time to rest a little bit. To think, to have conversations to see what the decision is. I'm so happy. We've built a very good relationship. Now is not a moment to talk about that," he stated.
Belgium Dominates with 4-1 Win
Belgium secured a commanding victory to advance to the quarter-finals. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to earn the Player of the Match award, while Hans Vanaken netted his first FIFA World Cup goal, and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time strike—his third consecutive World Cup match with a goal. The USA briefly equalized through Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick, but a costly goalkeeping error by Matt Freese allowed Belgium to regain the lead before Lukaku sealed the win.
The defeat ended the United States' campaign, making them the last of the three co-host nations to exit after Canada and Mexico. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 10, following Spain's elimination of Portugal in the Round of 16.
