After only 10 months into his second term as coach of the U.S. men’s soccer team, Gregg Berhalter was fired, leaving the team in search of a new leader less than two years before they host the World Cup. Berhalter’s dismissal came after the team’s disappointing performance in the Copa America, which raised doubts about his suitability for the role. In a statement, Berhalter took full responsibility for the results and stated that his focus had always been on the 2026 World Cup, expressing confidence in the team’s potential for success. Despite their initial victory against Bolivia, the U.S. lost to Panama and were ultimately eliminated by Uruguay, with a record of seven wins, six losses, and one draw under Berhalter’s leadership. The team’s overall record stands at 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws. Berhalter’s return to the team last September was met with high expectations, with him stating that the goal was to revolutionize soccer in America. However, he will not be around to see that vision come to fruition.
Speculation has already begun for potential replacements, including big names like Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Marcelo Bielsa, as well as Jesse Marsch, Hugo Pérez, Pellegrino Matarazzo, David Wagner, Steve Cherundolo, Jim Curtain, Massimiliano Allegri, and Mauricio Pochettino. However, Berhalter’s salary may be a factor, as he earned a significant amount in bonuses for the team’s performance in the World Cup and may have put pressure on the U.S. Soccer Federation to increase the salary for newly hired women’s coach Emma Hayes. With just 23 months until the World Cup in the U.S., the team’s next competitive matches will likely be in the CONCACAF Nations League. Berhalter, who is turning 51 in August, was the first American to coach the team after playing in the World Cup. He was previously the coach for Sweden’s Hammarby and MLS’s Columbus Crew before being hired by the U.S. in 2018.
Berhalter expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team for the past five years and stated that he was proud of the team’s progress and the strong bonds formed between players, coaches, and staff. However, his detractors pointed out the team’s struggles against non-regional teams and difficulties in away matches against Central American rivals. The team ultimately secured a spot in the World Cup based on goal difference and had the second youngest team in the 2022 tournament. Although they were able to reach the knockout stage, they were ultimately defeated by the Netherlands. Issues with discipline were also raised, with two players receiving red cards in separate incidents.
U.S. coaches have not had much success in their second cycle, with Bruce Arena, Bob Bradley, and Jurgen Klinsmann all facing early terminations. The new coach will inherit a team with promising players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, but also faces the challenge of developing goalkeepers Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, and Gio Reyna, who have yet to secure playing time with top-tier teams.
