Maurício
Atlético Piauiense · Premier League · Defender · #33 · Brazil · 37 yrs
Maurício news
U.S. Soccer remains in active talks with Mauricio Pochettino over USMNT deal as CEO says 'best days' are ahead
The team's coaching situation will need to be resolved before long as the federation sets its long-term plan to be more competitive at the 2030 World Cup with Pochettino potentially returning
‘Knocking you out was a huge joy’: reliving the dramas of England v Argentina in 1998 and 2002
How Diego Simeone, Michael Owen and Glenn Hoddle remember the two classic World Cup matches between historical rivalsIn all the acrimony, the wars, the deep history going back to the British invasions of 1806 and 1807, the Hand of God and the boot of Beckham, there is also an acknowledgment from those closest to the struggle that England and Argentina make perfect footballing sparring partners.Described as the only trans-continental derby, a rivalry hewn in politics and history as well as football folklore, most Argentinian footballers’ eyes light up when talk turns to England. Continue reading...
Why World Cup exit showed the limits to the USA’s power – on and off the pitch
WORLD CUP 2026: Hit by a political wrecking ball ahead of their round of 16 encounter with Belgium, even a helping hand from President Trump could not take the USA into the quarter-finals. Richard Jolly examines what comes next for Mauricio Pochettino and his side
How to watch USA vs Belgium in USA: 2026 World Cup, Live Stream, TV & Preview
USA and Belgium will square off in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Here's everything you need to know to watch the match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch USA vs Belgium on US television and via legal streaming: WHO USA vs Belgium WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT • Monday, July 6, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview As co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, the USA enters this Round of 16 clash with the weight of a nation’s expectations on their shoulders. After an impressive run that saw them top their group and secure a commanding 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32, Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad has earned the unusual status of pre-match favorites. A win would mark a historic quarter-final berth on home soil and offer the perfect chance for redemption against the team that knocked them out at this same stage in 2014. Belgium, however, arrives in Seattle riding a wave of pure adrenaline after pulling off a miraculous comeback against Senegal. Trailing 2-0 as late as the 86th minute, the Red Devils staged a stunning revival to force extra time and seal a 3-2 victory. While their defensive frailties were exposed, the dramatic win proved the remnants of their ‘golden generation’ still possess immense quality and an unbreakable fighting spirit as they chase a third quarter-final appearance in the last four tournaments. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The tournament trajectories of these two nations could not be more different. The USMNT has been one of the standout teams, playing with purpose and confidence fueled by passionate home crowds. They have won three of their four matches, significantly overperforming their expected goals (xG) metric by scoring 10 goals from just 5.58 xG. In contrast, Belgium has looked unconvincing, drawing three of their four games in normal time and relying on a lucky escape to get past Senegal. The tactical battle will likely be decided by the USA‘s aggressive approach against Belgium‘s seasoned experience. Under Pochettino, the US has implemented a high-intensity press, allowing just 9.7 passes per defensive action—one of the best rates in the competition. While this disrupts opponents, it carries the risk of leaving them exposed against a Belgian side adept at exploiting space in transition. Belgium can control the tempo but has also proven they can win without dominating possession, setting up a fascinating clash of styles. Motivation runs deep for both squads. For the USA, this is a golden opportunity to make a deep run in a home tournament and avenge the painful 2014 exit. For Belgium, this match is about silencing the doubters and proving their veteran core can still compete at the highest level. With a place in the final eight on the line, neither side will give an inch in what promises to be a tense and dramatic encounter. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends History between these two sides in the World Cup is limited but significant. They first met in the inaugural 1930 tournament, a match the USA won 3-0. Their most recent and memorable encounter was in the Round of 16 in 2014, where Belgium eliminated the USMNT 2-1 after a grueling extra-time battle. Outside of the tournament, Belgium has completely dominated, winning all five friendly matches between the nations. The most recent meeting provides a stark warning for the United States. In a friendly played on US soil in March 2026, Belgium dismantled the Americans in a 5-2 victory. That high-scoring affair saw 33 total shots and an xG of 4.31, suggesting that when these two teams meet, attacking football is on the agenda. It highlights Belgium‘s offensive firepower, even if their recent tournament form has been inconsistent. Data from the 2026 tournament points toward another open, attacking game. Both teams have scored in three of Belgium‘s four matches so far. The USA has been a s
Mauricio Pochettino praises Fifa for Balogun U-turn: ‘We celebrate the decision’
Mauricio Pochettino hailed Fifa’s shock decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban on Sunday, reiterating his claim that the call to issue the US striker a red card was harsh. “Everyone that really loves the sport and trusts ethics and integrity, I think we celebrate all that decision,” Pochettino said. The Guardian reported on Sunday that Donald Trump called Fifa at least three times since Wednesday to lobby for the overturning of Balogun’s one-game suspension, stemming from a straight red card the striker received against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their last-32 matchup.
‘It’s been surreal’: USMNT’s Folarin Balogun moves on from controversial red card
Striker’s one-match ban will not be increasedBalogun says yellow card would have been fairPepi and Wright among options against BelgiumFolarin Balogun fielded questions on the morning of his 25th birthday, though the cards being discussed weren’t filled with kind notes and two-dollar bills.Per Fifa rules, the striker was unable to speak to the media following the United States’ World Cup last-32 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he opened the scoring in a commanding 2-0 win but was sent off after receiving a red card in the second half. Continue reading...
Steely USA overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina and controversial red to reach World Cup last 16
The USA had their hands on their heads. Weston McKennie’s face betrayed a look of total disbelief. Mauricio Pochettino waved his hands towards the sky, incredulous.Folarin Balogun had been sent off after a seemingly innocent collision with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic that saw the striker land a foot on his opponent’s ankle. Just like that, the US’s high-flying World Cup journey had the feel of impending doom. The temperature had soared on a previously cool, sunny evening at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. And it wouldn’t fall until Malik Tillman had his say. Continue reading...
USMNT penalty kicks plan: How Mauricio Pochettino prepared for World Cup's ultimate shootout tie-breaker
Beginning with the round of 32, where the USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, all World Cup games are win or go home and will be decided on penalty kicks if the score is tied after 120 minutes
The USMNT’s quest for World Cup glory is currency in the attention economy
In Wednesday’s last-32 match, the US team have more than just a chance to win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They’re playing to win over their countryIt took Mauricio Pochettino a little while to understand that he had accepted an innately vibes-based job.If club soccer boils down to managers exerting control and fitting their players into an intricate system, buttressed by cutting-edge tactics, ultra-modern analytics and first-in-class sports science, international soccer demands a different job entirely. And it tends to take long-time club coaches who are managing in the international game for the first time a bit to catch on to the difference. Continue reading...
The lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
WORLD CUP 2026: Mauricio Pochettino has his squad – and a gripped nation at large – believing that a deep World Cup run is achievable. Next in line are Bosnia and Herzegovina, who refusal to let up should not be underestimated. Kieran Jackson reports from Santa Clara
The lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
Mauricio Pochettino has his squad – and a gripped nation at large – believing that a deep World Cup run is achievable. Next in line are Bosnia and Herzegovina, who refusal to let up should not be underestimated. Kieran Jackson reports from Santa Clara