
Nine Worlds, One Story: A Reporter’s World Cup Chronicle
A veteran correspondent reflects on nine World Cups, the U.S. men’s team, a Norway‑Brazil showdown, and the relentless rhythm of the mixed zone.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mauricio Pochettino across Soccer, Football.

A veteran correspondent reflects on nine World Cups, the U.S. men’s team, a Norway‑Brazil showdown, and the relentless rhythm of the mixed zone.

The U.S. men's national team has repeatedly exited the World Cup at the round of 16, and despite new talent and a larger tournament format, deeper issues in coaching, defense and midfield remain.

Despite high hopes and home‑field advantage, the U.S. men's national team fell 4‑1 to Belgium, exposing persistent defensive flaws and raising questions about coaching and player development.

After a disappointing quarter‑final loss to Belgium, US Soccer issued a statement of respect for Mauricio Pochettino, but the Argentine coach says he needs time to consider his next steps amid calls to retain him.

Donovan's recent remarks on his Unfiltered Soccer platform have reignited a public dispute with teammate Christian Pulisic, highlighting deeper concerns within the national team.

Mauricio Pochettino faces a decisive crossroads after a roller‑coaster World Cup campaign with the US Men’s National Team, as US Soccer moves to keep him amid interest from Europe.

The U.S. men's national team failed to advance past the round of 16 in the World Cup, a result that underscores the limitations of a pay‑to‑play system and raises questions about the nation's soccer identity.

Two U.S. Soccer officials were suspended before the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Belgium, a result that was eclipsed by controversy over Balogun's red-card history and FIFA's decision to delay his sanction.

After a 4‑1 loss to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer is weighing whether to re‑appoint Mauricio Pochettino for the 2030 tournament, a move that could reshape the nation's soccer narrative.

The United States men's national team fell 4‑1 to Belgium, revealing a structural ceiling that may be difficult to break.

The United States men’s national team left the recent World Cup with more questions than answers, prompting a swift examination of its leadership, key players, and structural weaknesses.

The United States men's national team has repeatedly fallen short of expectations at recent World Cups, prompting scrutiny of its massive investments, player development, and coaching direction.

The U.S. men's national team lost to Belgium in a record‑breaking match, a turnaround driven by billionaire Ken Griffin’s soccer passion and philanthropy.

Recent World Cup exits highlight a lingering barrier for the U.S. men's national team, even as new talents emerge and the tournament format expands.

The U.S. men’s national soccer team’s abrupt exit against Belgium drew a historic audience, a feat tied to the financial backing of Citadel founder Ken Griffin, whose donations funded coaching, infrastructure and youth access across the country.
The United States fell to Belgium in the round of 16, leaving the squad and coaching staff at a crossroads as they look toward future tournaments.

The U.S. Men's National Team’s World Cup adventure ended with a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium, but the federation is already working to retain head coach Mauricio Pochettino and navigate a contentious disciplinary episode involving forward Folarin Balogun.

The U.S. Men's National Team confronts a pivotal crossroads after a Round of 16 defeat, with leadership questions, a shifting roster, and upcoming continental competitions shaping the road to 2030.

A look at the U.S. men's soccer team's recent round‑of‑16 exit, the struggles of established stars, breakthrough performances by new talent, and the uncertain future of the national program.
Two U.S. Soccer administrators were halted by FIFA before a match against Belgium, a move linked to the contentious case of forward Folarin Balogun, whose red-card ban was later lifted.

U.S. Soccer will resume talks with Mauricio Pochettino after the World Cup, seeking to clarify his future following a disappointing defeat to Belgium and a contract that expires shortly after the tournament.

Following a 4‑1 loss to Belgium, U.S. Soccer has revived discussions with the Argentine coach whose contract ends after the tournament, aiming to chart a path forward.

FIFA’s disciplinary actions against U.S. Soccer officials and the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s ban raise fresh questions ahead of the United States’ loss to Belgium.
U.S. Soccer is still talking with Mauricio Pochettino about his future after the World Cup, where his cultural and tactical improvements led to historic wins, but a $6 million salary raises tough questions.