US Coach Mauricio Pochettino States Balogun Scandal Does Not Excuse Team's World Cup Defeat

The coach added that he believes the situation did not affect the team's performance, and excuses cannot be used because 'it was not our day.' He also noted that his position was to train the team, and if the FIFA disciplinary committee permitted the player's presence, it did not create problems.

Match Progression and Future Plans

Balogun, who was the top scorer for the US in the tournament with three goals, was put on the field against Belgium, but he could not have a significant impact on the game. As a result, the USA was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino admitted that it was a very bad day both collectively and individually. He concluded that one must accept that such things happen, but in a tournament like the World Cup, a second chance is not given.

Regarding his future, Pochettino did not give a clear answer about continuing with the US national team, stating that he first needs to rest and then hold discussions with federation representatives. Although he was offered an extension with the US, the former coach of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain is also being considered in the context of a possible return to European club football.