Pochettino criticizes political interference after US World Cup exit

Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment after the United States’ elimination from the World Cup, saying he was “disappointed with too many people” who introduced “politics and manipulation” into the sport. The comment came in the wake of the U.S. team’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in the round‑of‑16, which ended their tournament run and sparked debate over off‑field influences on the game.

Pochettino, who coached the United States from 2020 to 2023, highlighted concerns that external agendas had begun to outweigh athletic performance, noting that the controversy surrounding player selections, media narratives and governing‑body decisions had created a “toxic environment” for the squad. He urged football authorities and stakeholders to refocus on the sport’s core values, emphasizing that the primary responsibility lies with those who manage the competition rather than with political interests. The remarks close a chapter for the U.S. team as they turn their attention to future international fixtures.