Head coach Mauricio Pochettino says the situation around Folarin Balogun's ban being suspended did not affect the USA's World Cup exit against Belgium.

The United States were thrashed 4-1 by Belgium in the World Cup last 16, and the co-hosts struggled to make an impact on the game.

The 2026 World Cup became a tournament filled with unexpected stories in every round, but the United States ended up experiencing the surprise that nobody saw coming on home soil.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was disappointed and frustrated by the backlash over Folarin Balogun's ban but insisted it was no excuse for his side's World Cup exit at the hands of Belgium on Monday.

Will Mauricio Pochettino return to coach the United States soccer team? Mauricio Pochettino would not commit to his future after the United States lost to