Pochettino decision looms as USMNT enters 2030 cycle

Pochettino's contract decision coming, Crocker already gone

Mauricio Pochettino's future is unsettled. U.S. Soccer is still weighing whether to keep him beyond this cycle, and there is no timeline on a decision (1). Meanwhile, sporting director Matt Crocker has already left the organization (1). The 2030 World Cup cycle starts with a leadership vacuum.

4–1 to Belgium, 33 million watching

The round of 16 exit against Belgium drew 33 million viewers, the largest American soccer audience ever and the biggest U.S. telecast of any kind since the Super Bowl (2). Pochettino admitted the team "did not connect" with the match (2). The result and the performance stung.

Balogun's red card, Quansah's leniency

Folarin Balogun was sent off in the group stage and missed a crucial match. England's Jarell Quansah got a red card for a similar tackle yet faced a lighter ban (3). FIFA has not explained the difference.

What comes next

Speculation is already swirling about the 2030 roster. The $16 million in prize money from this tournament is in the bank, but the feeling around the program is that a golden generation just let its best chance slip (1). The calendar: CONCACAF Nations League later this year, Gold Cup in 2027, and qualification for 2030 begins after that.