Lalas Urges U.S. to Fire Pochettino After 4-1 Belgium Loss
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 12
Lalas Urges U.S. to Fire Pochettino After 4-1 Belgium Loss
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 12
Summary
Alexi Lalas said U.S. Soccer should “move on” from Mauricio Pochettino after the USMNT’s 4-1 round-of-16 defeat to Belgium, arguing the coach’s tenure should be judged primarily on that match.
The case rests on the result’s scale: the U.S. exited at the same stage as its previous four World Cups despite home-field advantage, and the three-goal loss was its worst in a World Cup match since 2006.
Lalas’ stance was not a sudden reversal; the report says he had long argued Pochettino should be evaluated almost entirely on the 2026 World Cup rather than friendlies or earlier tournament wins.
The article also challenges claims of major progress, noting Bosnia in the round of 32 was the lowest-ranked World Cup opponent the U.S. had faced since FIFA rankings began, while Belgium was the only team ranked above any U.S. opponent from 2022.
Foreign-born analysts cited in the report broadly echoed the criticism, with Andres Cantor calling the display “disgraceful,” Jurgen Klinsmann saying Belgium was beatable, and Gabriel Marcotti disputing any large talent gap.