Mauricio
Moto Club · V.League 1 · Defender · #3 · Brazil · 29 yrs
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US Soccer coy on Mauricio Pochettino and future of sporting director position
The US men’s national team leaves the World Cup with some considerable gaps in their organizational chart. Mauricio Pochettino’s future is undetermined as his contract – funded in part by billionaire donors – ends with the conclusion of this tournament. In April, Matt Crocker resigned from his role as sporting director to take a similar position with Saudi Arabia.
‘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
Why can Folarin Balogun play for the USMNT against Belgium despite his suspension?
Folarin Balogun is elegible for the USMTN to feature in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium despite seeing the red card in the last game. Folarin Balogun has dominated headlines over the past 24 hours, with the USMNT, the Belgian Football Federation, and even the U.S. government all weighing in on his eligibility. The central question remains the same: why is the striker allowed to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium after receiving a red card? Balogun is eligible to face Belgium after FIFA overturned the one-game suspension that stemmed from his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Determining that the incident did not warrant a sending-off, the governing body lifted the ban, noting that “the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” The ruling, announced shortly before the scheduled pre-match press conference, drew immediate backlash, particularly from the Belgian camp. Head coach Rudi Garcia did not hold back, dismissing the decision with a cutting “It’s April Fools” remark, a sentiment echoed in the Belgian federation’s formal statement. USMNT players, caught off guard while heading into their final training session, said they learned of the decision through social media. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino stood firmly behind the outcome, saying “It was a fair decision since it’s a punishment way too big in an action that’s completely involuntary.” Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States fouls Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The controversy escalated further when reports emerged that the U.S. government had contacted FIFA to request a review. President Donald Trump confirmed his involvement at a Monday press conference: “It’s one thing to penalize somebody for the game, but how do you penalize them for a game that hasn’t been played yet? It’s very unfair. You can’t do that. So, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.“ FIFA president Gianni Infantino responded with a statement emphasizing that no outside pressure had influenced the decision. “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them,” part of the statement read. Belgian FA threatens action over Balogun’s eligibility With the ban lifted and Belgium’s appeal rejected, Balogun, the USMNT’s leading scorer with three goals, is expected to start against the Red Devils. His inclusion, however, has prompted the Belgian federation to threaten further legal action. Hours before kickoff on Monday, the Belgian FA released a statement warning that consequences would follow if Balogun appeared on the team sheet: “The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee’s team sheet. This leaves all further actions open.“ The federation also directed pointed criticism at FIFA for failing to provide transparency throughout the process. “RBFA has still not received ANY grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure id est a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee’s report. This is a breach of FIFA regulations,” the statement read.
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.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia slams FIFA over Folarin Balogun suspension U-turn: ‘It’s April Fools’
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
US Soccer offers contract renewal to Mauricio Pochettino through 2030 World Cup
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...
