On July 10, 2024, following the U.S. Men's Soccer Team's surprising exit from the group stages of this year's Copa America, U.S. Soccer announced that Head Coach Gregg Berhalter has been "relieved of his duties."
Berhalter holds a 44-17-13 record in 74 matches as the USMNT head coach and a 29-9-7 record in official competitions, ultimately leading to the USMNT's successful 2022 World Cup qualification and main-stage campaign. (Source: U.S. Soccer)
During Berhalter's tenure, the USMNT witnessed significant milestones. They reached the Quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only to be ousted by the Netherlands, and secured back-to-back Nations League titles in 2023 and 2024. However, this year's Copa America marked the first time the USMNT was eliminated in the group stages of a tournament they hosted.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the Copa America was seen as a crucial stepping stone following the progress made in Qatar. Despite past successes, the early exit from Copa America, marked by losses to Panama and Uruguay, highlighted the limited progress the team has made under Berhalter's leadership, prompting the federation to seek a new direction.
Following the loss, Berhalter candidly addressed the situation to ESPN, saying he takes full accountability.
"The Copa América result is extremely disappointing, and I take full responsibility for our performance," Berhalter said. "Our approach and process was always focused on the 2026 World Cup, and I remain confident that this group will be one of the great stories in 2026." (Source: ESPN).
Echoing Berhalter's sentiments, the U.S. Soccer Federation released an official statement reaffirming its dedication to the national team's success. The federation emphasized its commitment to fostering a victorious culture and ensuring that the team continues progressing and excelling on the pitch.
"Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process," said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker.
The USMNT's loss is particularly devastating, especially since the United States is set to host the 2026 World Cup, eliminating the need for any World Cup qualifying matches. The only major competition on the horizon before the international spectacle is the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Despite the recent setbacks for sporting director Matt Crocker, Berhalter's tenure laid essential building blocks for the progress of the relatively young USMNT squad, setting a foundation for future success. However, Crocker decided to turn that progress into success for the USMNT.
"Five years is a long time, and a lot of building blocks have been put in place. It was a very young group originally, and progress has been made, but now is the time to turn that progress into winning. There's been progress in the group, but that progress hasn't translated into enough wins in that tournament, which is pretty critical." Crocker said. (Source: ESPN)
The search for a new head coach is now in full swing as the USMNT gears up for their upcoming friendlies in September. With the clock ticking, sporting director Matt Crocker is determined to find a high-caliber leader who can transform the team's potential into tangible victories.
For Crocker, the challenge of securing a top-tier coach is a critical investment in the team's future. The right leader will encompass the progress made under Berhalter, build on the squad's young and upcoming talents, and steer the team towards success on the international stage.
"I just want to get the best coach possible," he continued, "and whether they're from the U.S. or elsewhere, they've got to fit the profile, which is a serial winning coach, somebody that can continue to develop this potential group of players." (Source: ESPN)
Several high-profile names are considered potential replacements for Berhalter, each bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Possible candidates to replace Berhalter include ex-Norwich City manager David Wagner and LAFC Coach Steve Cherundolo, among others.
Each candidate has demonstrated the ability to foster growth and achieve significant milestones with their MLS and the English Premier League teams. Their diverse backgrounds and unique approaches to management promise a fresh vision that could lead to substantial success for the USMNT on the international stage.
As the search continues for new talent, Crocker and U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone expressed their gratitude for the progress made under Berhalter.
"I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and our Men's National Team," said Cone. "We are now focused on...leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success."
"Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward. We wish Gregg all the best in his future endeavors, and we know he will find success in his next coaching position." Berhalter said.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup on home soil, appointing a new coach is pivotal in ensuring that the team meets and exceeds expectations. Under the proper guidance, the USMNT's future has the potential to turn disappointment into triumph and further secure its place as a formidable force in world soccer.
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