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United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed suggestions that the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s eligibility contributed to his side’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Americans were simply outplayed by Belgium.
The USA crashed out of the tournament after suffering a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash in Seattle on Monday, ending the hopes of the last remaining co-host nation.
The build-up to the knockout fixture was overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to feature despite receiving a straight red card in the previous round.
The former Arsenal academy graduate was initially expected to serve a one-match suspension, but FIFA temporarily suspended the ban following an appeal, a move that sparked widespread debate after US President Donald Trump publicly urged world football’s governing body to review the decision.
Although FIFA maintained that its ruling was made independently and was not influenced by political pressure, the issue dominated discussions ahead of the match, forcing Pochettino to repeatedly defend the striker’s eligibility.
Speaking after the defeat, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager expressed frustration over the criticism but rejected claims that the controversy affected his players.
“I am frustrated and disappointed with people who should understand the situation,” Pochettino said.
“I don’t think it affected our performance. It is not an excuse because we simply were not good enough on the day.”
The Argentine coach criticised those who attempted to link politics with FIFA’s disciplinary process, stressing that his responsibility was solely to prepare the team using players deemed eligible by the governing body.
“My job was to coach the team. If FIFA’s disciplinary committee says Balogun is available, then there is no issue for me. Personally, I am disappointed by the abuse and threats that came from the situation,” he added.
Balogun, who entered the match as the United States’ leading scorer with three goals, struggled to influence proceedings as Belgium dominated from start to finish.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku also found the net to send Belgium into the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain.
Pochettino admitted his players failed to reproduce the performances that had generated optimism during the group stage and Round of 32.
“It was a very bad day. Collectively and individually, we were below our standard. Sometimes these things happen in football, but at a World Cup you don’t get a second chance,” he said.
The defeat also leaves uncertainty over Pochettino’s future with the United States national team.
While the 54-year-old revealed he has been offered a contract extension, he declined to confirm whether he would remain in charge, saying he intends to rest before holding discussions with officials of the US Soccer Federation.
Pochettino has also been linked with a return to European club football following the conclusion of the World Cup.
