Alexi Lalas, a former USMNT player and current commentator, is calling for U.S. Soccer to dismiss men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino following the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. Lalas argued that the current coaching cycle has run its course, citing the team's disappointing performance in a crucial match.
"I just think that this cycle has run its course," Lalas told talkSPORT. "You had one job. And it was the game against Belgium. You win that game, then you're in some rarefied air."
Despite a strong group stage and a Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team's performance against Belgium left much to be desired. Key players like Christian Pulisic were ineffective before sustaining an injury, and Folarin Balogun's impact was limited. Lalas described the loss as an "abject failure."
"It's one thing to go out to Belgium, it's another thing to go out in the way they went out, especially with the way that they looked through the tournament," Lalas stated. "The reality is a lot of that goodwill and a lot of the people that came into the tent … they're left shaking their head and there's an inquiry going on right now – rightfully holding this team and this coach to account."
U.S. Soccer had reportedly considered extending Pochettino's contract prior to the World Cup, but any decisions were slated to be made after the tournament concluded. Following the team's exit, U.S. Soccer released a statement acknowledging their "great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program," while also noting the "amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition."
Pochettino, who took charge of the U.S. Men's National Team two years ago after previous coaching stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, did not comment on his future immediately after the loss to Belgium. He indicated that discussions would take place in the coming weeks if U.S. Soccer wished to engage.
"Now is not a moment to talk about that," Pochettino said at his postgame news conference. "I think now is a moment to see, to assess the tournament. You know, I'm sure in the next weeks we can start to talk if [US Soccer] wants to talk."