Pochettino Should Keep His Job Despite USMNT's Crushing World Cup Collapse—Here's Why

In the weeks leading up to the 2026 World Cup, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino assembled his squad and delivered a passionate address.

"Why not us?" Pochettino declared. "If I don't believe in you, it's difficult, and if you don't believe in you, it's difficult to go and compete. Why not us?"

It was a straightforward yet boldly American question from the Argentine tactician. The fiery words, echoing those of Herb Brooks ahead of the legendary 1980 "Miracle on Ice," embodied the courage to trust in oneself and the unwavering drive that defines the "American dream."

Pochettino's "Why not us?" became a rallying cry the USMNT players repeatedly returned to on their journey to the round of 16, and one they continue to lean on even following their stunning 4–1 loss to Belgium and subsequent exit from the tournament.

Why not us? pic.twitter.com/BNGnWKfRer

"I want to apologize to our supporters. We weren't good enough when it mattered most," star forward Folarin Balogun wrote on Instagram Wednesday. "Soccer in America will only continue to grow. The belief, the talent and the passion keeps building, and I know our greatest moments are still ahead of us.

"The future belongs to those who never stop believing — this moment will drive us forward. We will return. Why not us?"

Whether Pochettino will remain in charge of the USMNT has yet to be decided. His two-year deal with U.S. Soccer expires this summer, and he was reportedly offered an extension prior to the tournament that would keep him at the helm through another World Cup cycle until 2030. The 54-year-old South American coach insists he won't make any decisions about his future until things settle down.

"Now is not the time to discuss that," Pochettino said following the elimination. "I think now is the time to reflect and evaluate the tournament. I'm sure in the coming weeks we can begin those conversations if [U.S. Soccer] wishes."

The painful loss to Belgium sparked doubts about Pochettino's effectiveness at the international level, but he ultimately merits continued tenure with U.S. Soccer.

American Attitude, South American Style

While Pochettino embraced American values, the players embraced him and his South American approach to the game. When the two were blended together, it proved to be an ideal combination.

The USMNT took the field with a fierce "We're American, we don't back down" mentality, and it became the spark for the tactical philosophy Pochettino instilled in them: how to be the aggressor.

"The aggression, the fight — Pochettino brings that South American spirit we've been lacking," USMNT veteran winger Timothy Weah said just before the tournament. "We've always been the nice guys, so it's refreshing to be on the other side and play with a bit more edge. Coach Poch is a fantastic coach, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish under him."

Star midfielder Tyler Adams added earlier this summer: "[Pochettino] is an incredible person. He's transforming the culture of everything we have here at U.S. Soccer."

It worked for a stretch. The Stars and Stripes had a clear identity for the first time under Pochettino — one built on confidence and aggressive, front-foot play. They were methodical hunters, pushing up the pitch in rapid succession with fluid movement — not carelessly, but with purpose.

In all three group stage fixtures, the Americans dictated the pace and broke the deadlock within the opening 11 minutes. Though they struggled to score early against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, they still controlled proceedings from the first whistle.

Yet there was no trace of the USMNT's usual character against Belgium in the round of 16. They appeared to be an entirely different side — a timid prey to a European predator. But that wasn't Pochettino's doing.

One might assume the USMNT was simply overpowered by a top-10 global side, but the team wasn't gradually worn down by Belgium. It was broken from the very start, from the moment the opening whistle sounded.

As much as Pochettino resists pointing to outside factors, the red card controversy surrounding the team — and Balogun in particular — undeniably played a major role in Monday night's defeat.

When FIFA controversially overturned Balogun's red card — a decision that even drew involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump — it didn't energize the players. It actually stripped away their very American chip-on-the-shoulder mentality and handed it directly to the Belgians. Suddenly, the Americans were cast as clear favorites carrying a contentious advantage. What was left to prove? What obstacle remained to overcome?

The ruling robbed them of their American edge, which in turn extinguished the fuel needed to ignite their South American-inspired tactical aggression. From the very first second, the European opponents controlled the match. They were immediately in the Americans' faces, and within 30 seconds had already created a dangerous chance on goal. It came as no surprise when Belgium found the net nine minutes later. The USMNT, meanwhile, never found their footing and committed error after costly error.

"Everyone could see from the start that we were never in the game," Pochettino said after the match. "We were never in control, and even when we scored to equalize, we conceded on the very next play. It was really difficult from the beginning.

"Congratulations to Belgium — they were the better team. I'm not looking for excuses; we simply didn't show what we're normally capable of. That is the reality."

Where Does the USMNT Go From Here?

What is the silver lining of a devastating loss in a match you were expected to win? That chip on your shoulder comes right back.

Regardless, the team must find a way to forge a more resilient identity — one that can withstand outside noise and controversy. They must also find ways to get more from their players in these difficult moments. Pochettino appears determined to see this through, and so do his players.

"We need to evaluate our performance and understand why we didn't approach the game the same way as the rest of the World Cup," he said.

Star center back Chris Richards posted to Instagram alongside a photo of Pochettino embracing him: "This will only make us stronger for the future. Together."

Whether or not Pochettino will be part of that long-term future remains to be seen.