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The Argentine coach did not deny the modest performance against Belgium
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted his side’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup was not at the required level, stressing that he bears full responsibility while leaving the door open to his future with the national team.
Pochettino said after the match. “We weren’t good enough today and we don’t need to make any excuses.”
He added: “We have to learn. It is a process that requires training and evaluation. We will review this match to find out why we didn’t handle it the way we did the rest of the World Cup matches.”
He continued. “The result seems easy to explain, but the truth is that it wasn’t our day, either on a collective or individual level. And, of course, the responsibility is mine. We have to review what happened because we didn’t present the style of play we are used to.”
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The American team suffered another blow during the game after captain Christian Pulisic was injured, while Sergio Dest and goalkeeper Matt Freese produced average performances to end the hosts’ run to the last 16 of the tournament.
Regarding his future with the American national team, Pochettino said: “We can talk in the coming weeks if the federation wants. Now is the time to relax and think, then hold talks with the federation to find out the decision.”
He concluded. “I am very happy with the relationship we have built with Al-Ittihad, but now is not the right time to talk about the future.”
