After a bit of a flat build-up to the World Cup there is little doubt that Americans got fully behind it once the tournament got under way.

Fan zones and bars across the United States were often packed, with the national team's jerseys seen everywhere.

The run to the knockout matches and attacking style of football no doubt helped increase that interest, and now the question is what will happen next, as they followed fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico in exiting the tournament at the last 16 stage.

"This can't be a direct reflection of what we were trying to accomplish," US midfielder Tyler Adams said.

"You have good days and bad days and this was a bad day. We didn't go as far as we'd like. But if we inspire a few kids on this journey then we have done something right."

Some of those fans who spoke to BBC Sport immediately after the loss also felt that once the dust has settled on their side's display, the past few weeks will ultimately be viewed as a positive, although there's still a long way to go for them to be truly considered an established footballing country.

"It is an amazing event we have put on and we are really excited for the future of soccer in the country," one supporter said.

"Everyone has been talking about the World Cup in this country."

Another added: "Long term we have a lot of catching up to do. There's a culture built around football and we're just not there yet."

The other uncertainty is Pochettino's future.

The former Tottenham boss' contract is due to expire at the end of the World Cup, and after the game he offered no further clues on what his future holds.

"Now it's [time] to rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations and see what the decision is from the federation and from us," he said.

"I am so happy we built a very good relationship, but now is not the moment. In the next weeks we can start to talk, if the federation wants to talk."

Read More