Story perspectives

US Falls 4-1 to Belgium, Pulisic Injured, Trump Calls Infantino

7/7/2026

Summary

USA Eliminated

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, causing coach Mauricio Pochettino to say the team “was not good enough.”
Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals, Malik Tillman’s 31st-minute free-kick equalizer, and Matt Freese’s errors produced Hans Vanaken’s 57th-minute goal and Romelu Lukaku’s fourth.
Christian Pulisic left with a knee injury, while U.S. President Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension.

Summary

Pochettino Extension Offer

The federation offered Mauricio Pochettino an extension through 2030 World Cup before the tournament, with his contract ending after the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino said he was happy in his role but would not discuss the extension.
He said the federation will assess the tournament before any contract decision.
He kept open staying with the national team or returning to club coaching and said the mindset will aid U.S. squads.

History

Historical Context

1994 saw the United States host its first World Cup and exit in the round of 16. The 2026 edition, awarded to the United States, Canada and Mexico by a 134-to-65 vote, will be the tournament staged by more than two nations, and the U.S. again reached only the round of 16. This reflects FIFA’s continental rotation and difficulty of turning host advantage into runs.

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USA Eliminated

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, causing coach Mauricio Pochettino to say the team “was not good enough.”
Charles De Ketelaere’s two goals, Malik Tillman’s 31st-minute free-kick equalizer, and Matt Freese’s errors produced Hans Vanaken’s 57th-minute goal and Romelu Lukaku’s fourth.
Christian Pulisic left with a knee injury, while U.S. President Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension.

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