Mauricio Pochettino faces calls for dismissal after US loss to Belgium
The United States men's national team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. Former international Alexi Lalas, speaking on talkSPORT, said the Argentine coach "had one job and blew it" and urged US Soccer to end Pochettino's tenure. Lalas described the performance as an "abject failure" and called for the federation to move on.
US Soccer has not made a decision. Pochettino’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, with an extension on the table that could keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup cycle. The federation issued a statement expressing respect for the coach while acknowledging the need for further work.
Media outlets have outlined possible replacements, naming Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, Nashville SC’s B.J. Callaghan, former Portugal boss Roberto Martínez and other candidates as likely successors should Pochettino depart.
The USMNT’s calendar now shifts to upcoming friendlies in September‑October, CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑finals in November, the 2027 Gold Cup, and the early stages of the 2030 World Cup qualifying process.