USMNT Erects Training Barriers to Prevent World Cup Spying Against Belgium
Ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino ordered black barriers and netting screens installed at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle to block views from nearby university buildings. The precaution follows a prior incident where Pochettino filmed the area, joking about an "era of spies." No specific spying was suspected, but the move reflects heightened security after Canada’s 2024 Olympic drone scandal. The match is set for July 6 at Lumen Field.
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Mauricio Pochettino introduces new training ground security to prevent World Cup 'Spygate'
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has increased security at the team's training facility ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday night in Seattle. The move comes after the USMNT reportedly spotted someone filming their training session prior to a group stage victory over Australia. Pochettino demanded blacked-out fences be installed at the University of Washington's Husky Soccer Stadium to prevent tactics and player fitness information from being leaked to the Belgian camp. The coach stated in a press conference that 'we are in an era of spies,' highlighting concerns about espionage in modern soccer. The article also notes that Folarin Balogun is available for selection after a suspension scare.
Yardbarker: SoccerUSMNT erects training ground barriers to guard against World Cup spying
The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) placed barriers on a hill at their World Cup training facility in Seattle to prevent potential spying ahead of their round-of-16 match against Belgium. Staff set up netting screens with brown tarps from an adjacent baseball complex to block views from nearby university buildings, including McMahon Hall. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously joked about being in an 'era of spies' after filming the surroundings. A U.S. Soccer spokesman clarified there was no specific suspicion of spying, but the measures were taken due to elevated ground and tall buildings overlooking the field. The article references a history of espionage in soccer, including Canada's drone spying scandal at the 2024 Olympics. The match is scheduled for July 6, 2026 at Lumen Field.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT Erects Training Barriers to Prevent World Cup Spying Ahead of Belgium Match
The US men's national soccer team installed barriers around their training ground at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle to prevent potential espionage ahead of a World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who previously joked about an 'era of spies,' had surveyed the area earlier for security vulnerabilities. Staff noted that nearby university buildings, including McMahon Hall, offer views of the field. The barriers—screens with netting and brown tarps from a baseball complex—were positioned strategically to obstruct sightlines. Although no specific spying was suspected, the move follows high-profile incidents such as Canada's drone surveillance scandal at the 2024 Olympics. The USMNT faces Belgium on July 6 at Lumen Field.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT erects training ground barriers to guard against World Cup spying
The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) erected barriers at their training facility in Seattle on July 4, 2026, to prevent potential spying ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. Staff placed netting screens with tarps on a hill at Husky Soccer Stadium to block views from nearby university buildings, including McMahon Hall. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously joked about the 'era of spies' after taking a 360-degree video of the area. While no specific spying threat was identified, the move reflects heightened security awareness following the 2024 Canada soccer drone spying scandal. The match is scheduled for July 6 at Lumen Field.
Soccer - The AthleticUSMNT erects barriers at World Cup training to prevent potential spying before Belgium match
On July 4, 2026, the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) installed barrier screens at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle to block potential views of their training from nearby university buildings, ahead of a round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium. A U.S. Soccer spokesman clarified there was no specific suspicion of spying, but staff acted proactively after head coach Mauricio Pochettino earlier highlighted an 'era of spies' in international soccer. The barriers, borrowed from a baseball complex and covered with tarps, were placed to fill gaps in tree coverage on the western side of the field. The action echoes a broader history of espionage in soccer, notably Canada's drone-based spying scandal at the 2024 Olympics. The USMNT faces Belgium at Lumen Field on July 6.
Soccer - The AthleticPochettino Erects Black Barriers to Prevent Spying on USMNT Training Before Belgium Match
According to Daily Telegraph reporter James Ducker, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has ordered the installation of black barriers around the team's training base at the University of Washington's Husky Soccer Stadium. This precautionary measure is intended to prevent opponents from spying on training sessions ahead of the round of 16 match against Belgium. The move follows a previous incident two weeks ago when Pochettino was spotted filming the training base area before the match against Australia. Pochettino commented on the situation, stating, 'We are living in an era of espionage,' highlighting his concerns about security and tactical privacy.
虎扑 - 足球