U.S. Soccer Weighs Pochettino Return Through 2030 After 4-1 Belgium Rout
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 8
U.S. Soccer Weighs Pochettino Return Through 2030 After 4-1 Belgium Rout
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 8
Summary
Less than 12 hours after the United States crashed out with a 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium, U.S. Soccer said it is still discussing a possible extension with Mauricio Pochettino for the 2030 cycle.
The federation said it has "respect and gratitude" for Pochettino and his staff and shares "excitement" about the program's potential, even as it acknowledged major work remains.
Pochettino, 54, did not resign after the defeat and instead pointed to poor individual quality while also calling himself the principal person responsible for a performance he said was not how his team normally plays.
The loss in Seattle was the USMNT's heaviest knockout-stage World Cup defeat and capped a tenure in which the Americans lost seven of eight matches against European opponents, including a 5-2 defeat to Belgium in March.
The decision now tests whether U.S. Soccer prioritizes continuity after a home-World-Cup failure or treats the result as disqualifying for another four-year cycle.