The United States’ men’s national team crashed out of the World Cup on Monday with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, capping a day overshadowed by controversy over the decision to overturn striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension.

Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been in charge of the team since 2024, took responsibility for the defeat.

“We didn’t play well. We were never in the game. Not even when we equalized,” he said after the match.

Belgium took the lead after just nine minutes. The U.S. equalized in the 31st minute, but Belgium restored its advantage two minutes later before adding further goals in the 57th minute and stoppage time.

“From the start, we couldn’t get into the game at all. Belgium was better than us, and we congratulate them. They deserved it,” Pochettino said.

“I’m responsible for this poor performance.”

The Argentine described the defeat as part of a “learning process,” saying his side failed to maintain the level it had shown earlier in the tournament.

The U.S. opened its campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the group stage before beating Australia 2-0 and Bosnia 2-0 in the round of 32. Its only previous defeat came in a 3-2 loss to Turkey.

Pochettino is one of six Argentine coaches who started the tournament in charge of national teams. Following the U.S. elimination, only two remain: Néstor Lorenzo with Colombia and Lionel Scaloni with Argentina.

Both sides will be in action on Tuesday, with Argentina facing Egypt and Colombia taking on Switzerland.

The Balogun controversy

Balogun, the U.S.’s top scorer, was cleared to face Belgium after FIFA overturned the automatic one-match suspension he received following his red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia.

The governing body announced on Sunday that the suspension had been rescinded and replaced with a one-year probationary period, making the striker eligible for the round-of-16 clash.

The decision drew further attention after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for the case to be reviewed.

European football governing body UEFA later said the decision to lift the ban had “crossed a red line.”

Balogun started against Belgium and played a role in the United States’ only goal. Contact with Belgium defender Brandon Mechele resulted in a free kick, from which Malik Tillman scored.

“What happened off the field wasn’t something that affected us as a group,” Pochettino said, referring to the ban scandal. 

“My role was to coach the team, and if Balogun is available because he’s been cleared to play, that’s not a problem,” he added.

Cover photo: U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team on X