Paulista - A4 · Midfielder · #0 · Brazil · 20 yrs
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
Pochettino awaits talks over future with US teamFederation backs coach but leaves door openSpend any time around US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino and you’ll likely notice a medallion hanging from a bracelet on his right wrist. It is emblazoned with an engraving of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.It’s a detail that feels appropriate for Pochettino, or any high-level manager, really, all of whom are inherently nomadic. The Argentinian has enjoyed stability at a handful of stops but has also done his share of moving, having shepherded five different clubs prior to his arrival in the United States about 22 months ago. Continue reading...
Spend any time around US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino and you’ll likely notice a medallion hanging from a bracelet on his right wrist. It’s a detail that feels appropriate for Pochettino, or any high-level manager, really, all of whom are inherently nomadic. At the time, he was very much perceived as a short-term hire, an experienced, big-name coach brought in to help build excitement and ensure a respectable performance ahead of a home World Cup.
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
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.
After the Federation's statement, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia took a direct jab to FIFA over the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension: "It's April Fools." Folarin Balogun‘s overturned red card emerged as the defining storyline of the tournament on Sunday, as a shocking retrospective review by FIFA cleared the USMNT striker to play in Monday’s high-stakes knockout clash against Belgium. Following the controversial ruling, Belgian head coach Rudi Garcia heavily criticized soccer’s global governing body, offering a candid and biting assessment: “It’s April Fools.” Balogun was originally issued a straight red card after a dangerous challenge where he stamped on the ankle of Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, a disciplinary action that was supposed to mandate his suspension for the Round of 16 battle against Belgium. However, just 24 hours before kickoff, FIFA released a stunning statement revoking the striker’s ban, noting that “the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” The unprecedented decision sparked instant outrage among the affected parties, and when pressed on the matter during Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Garcia did not hold back his frustration: “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football.“ The White House reportedly contacts Infantino to review Balogun’s red card Immediately following the initial ejection, Balogun received public backing from head coach Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT his teammates, who collectively argued the challenge did not warrant a straight red card. While standard tournament rules dictated the field decision could not be appealed at that moment, prompting the striker himself to state that “a yellow card would’ve been fair,” a sudden turn of events triggered reports that high-level communications were taking place between the U.S. government and top FIFA executives. Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States fouls Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to an initial report from soccer insider Ben Jacobs, which was later verified by the Associated Press, officials from the White House directly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a formal review of Balogun’s disciplinary status. Despite the high-profile outreach, governing body sources insist political influence played no role in the ultimate reversal, pointing instead to the independent nature of the disciplinary panel and the specific regulatory powers contained in Article 27. Nevertheless, in the immediate aftermath of the ruling that officially wiped out Balogun’s suspension, both the White House and President Donald Trump publicly celebrated the governing body’s administrative pivot. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!,” the American president posted on his social media network to applaud the decision. Belgian federation releases formal statement over Balogun ruling Before the Red Devils’ head coach voiced his personal disbelief over the ruling, the Belgian Football Federation (KBVB) had already issued a scathing official statement regarding the revocation of Balogun’s suspension. Throughout the formal dispatch, the federation outlined its legal stance on how the decision directly contradicts established tournament bylaws. “The KBVB reacts with bewilderment to FIFA’s decision that the suspended American player Balogun would still be eligible to play for the USA – Belgium match this coming Monday, July 6th at 17:00 (Seattle time). FIFA bases this decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The article states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee can decide to suspend the implementation of a previously issued disciplinary measure,” the federation’s opening statement read. “However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code states that a red card automatic
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...
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...
Pochettino has been in charge of the US since late 2024Former Spurs and PSG boss likely to have club interestMauricio Pochettino has been offered a contract extension that would keep him in charge of the US men’s national team through the 2030 World Cup, multiple sources familiar with the offer said on Friday. Sources spoke with the Guardian on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.Pochettino and the US Soccer Federation have been discussing a new deal for about three months, said one source. Pochettino, along with US Soccer CEO JT Batson, have spoken publicly about the negotiations as recently as late May, around the time that Pochettino was reported to have had talks with Serie A side Milan. Pochettino was coy when pressed about Milan’s interest, but Batson spoke openly about it, saying that the federation had received many inquiries in regards to Pochettino’s services. Continue reading...
Comment: Usually a cool customer, Pochettino expressed frustration that his team were not getting more credit for topping Group D. Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles explains how it was all just a bit unnecessary
⚽ Latest news from day 15 | Vehicle hits crowd in Mexico⚽ World Cup Q&A: post your questions for our US team⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail JohnMauricio Pochettino’s US team are having a great time at home – but the last couple years haven’t been all that easy, writes Jeff Rueter.For more permutations chat, click below: Continue reading...
