Mauricio Pochettino Delays Extension Talks After USMNT World Cup Exit

United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said he will hold off on discussing his future with U.S. Soccer following the squad's round of 16 elimination from the World Cup, a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. U.S. Soccer previously offered extensions to Pochettino and his staff ahead of the tournament, though no resolution has been reached. Pochettino's contract runs out this summer.  "In the next weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk," said Pochettino. "Right now, it's about resting a little bit, to think, have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I'm so happy. We've built a very good relationship, now is not a moment to talk about my future." The United States delivered its weakest showing since March, struggling with careless errors throughout the match. Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals following a costly mistake from goalkeeper Matt Freese. "Today we didn't show our real quality as a team," said Pochettino. "I want to congratulate Belgium, they were good. But we were not at our level, we never connected with the game." Forward Folarin Balogun, who drew national attention after FIFA suspended his red-card ban, was largely neutralized by Belgium's defense. Pochettino declined to use it as an excuse for the result. Christian Pulisic exited the match in the 59th minute with what he later described to Fox as a sprained ankle, continuing a pattern of injury-shortened appearances throughout the tournament. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia praised the American squad following the win. "I want to congratulate the U.S. team, they had a great World Cup, regardless of this last game," said Garcia. The exit marks the third time since 2010 that the Americans have been eliminated in the round of 16.