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Team USA didn’t get off to the start to the first half it was hoping for against Belgium in the round of 16, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino displayed some legitimate frustration because of it.
Belgium created a shock in the American system just 10 minutes into the match when Charles De Ketelaere collected a ball served right in front of Matt Freese’s net and sent a quiet murmur over the sold-out Seattle Stadium crowd.
But things returned to normal when Malik Tillman, who scored a second-half free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16, did it again. Tillman buried his shot past legendary Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois thanks to a deflection off one of the Belgian defenders.
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Mauricio Pochettino, manager of the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos)
It was in the 31st minute, but Pochettino’s frustration came after the United States conceded their second goal two minutes later.
It was De Ketelaere again, this time jumping over veteran defender Tim Ream and using his head to put the ball into the back of the net.
THANKS TO TRUMP, A RESTED USA TEAM HAS THE ULTIMATE ADVANTAGE OVER A FURIOUS BELGIUM AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP
As Belgium celebrated, Pochettino walked to his bench and let out his displeasure at what he had just witnessed on the pitch with a right-footed swipe at the Powerade bottles on the ground.
That’s the kind of half for Team USA, who entered the half with plenty to do before the second half began.
Mauricio Pochettino Manager / Head Coach of the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Robbie Jay Barratt-AMA)
Even though possession was relatively tight – Belgium had 53%, compared to 47% for the USMNT – it was clear that the Belgians had the advantage on the offensive end. They finished the half with five shots on goal to just one from the United States. They also created four big chances, meaning this game could have gone a lot further for the United States than the scoreboard says at the moment.
The USMNT will need better play if they want to advance to the quarterfinals to face Spain and keep their World Cup title dreams alive. If they succeed, they will become the second team in United States history to do so, as only the 2002 team managed to reach the quarterfinals in this modern FIFA World Cup format.
Mauricio Pochettino Manager / Head Coach of the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Robbie Jay Barratt-AMA)
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Pochettino could let out more frustrations in the dressing room, but it’s clear the manager may need to be smart with Belgium keeping the momentum after the first 45 minutes.
