The world rejoices as Gregg Berhalter is fired from USMNT
U.S. Soccer has fired U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter following a disappointing group-stage exit from this summer’s Copa América. Berhalter, who was rehired last year after leading the U.S. to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, leaves behind a complex legacy. The decision to part ways with him marks a significant moment for U.S. Soccer and provides a mix of relief and renewed hope for fans of the USMNT.
Berhalter’s tenure saw the U.S. win two CONCACAF Nations League finals and one Gold Cup, boasting a 44-17-13 record over five years. Yet, despite these successes, the recent failure at Copa América became the tipping point. The U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone expressed gratitude for Berhalter’s efforts: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and our men’s national team,” she said in a statement.
The focus now shifts to finding a new coach who can maximize the potential of a team that is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. U.S. Soccer's sporting director, Matt Crocker, emphasized the importance of this decision: “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.”
Crocker’s task is immense. The USMNT's Copa América campaign had started with high hopes. Emerging from a group that included Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay was expected. The U.S. managed a 2-0 win over Bolivia in the opening match, but a 2-1 loss to Panama after Tim Weah’s early red card, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, led to a premature exit. This performance was a harsh reality check for a team that aspired to build momentum ahead of 2026.
The aftermath of the Copa América saw Crocker promise a comprehensive review of the team’s performance. “Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better,” he said. Nine days later, the decision to fire Berhalter was made, marking the end of a second stint that began amid controversy and ended in disappointment.
For USMNT fans, this decision is a relief. The frustration of seeing their team falter in critical moments has been palpable, and Berhalter’s departure signals a chance for a fresh start. However, this is only half of the equation. The next step, choosing the right successor, is crucial. U.S. Soccer needs a manager who can not only build on the foundation Berhalter laid but also take the team to new heights.
The rumor mill is already spinning with potential candidates. While fans dream of high-profile names like former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, such fantasies seem unlikely. More realistic options include Patrick Vieira, who has MLS experience with NYCFC and is now at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, the American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo currently at Hoffenheim, and former Spurs and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Crocker has indicated that the search for the new manager will be targeted and aggressive, aiming to have a coach in place by the September window when the USMNT next gets together. He has consulted with the heads of all departments within the men’s national team program and the player leadership group to inform them of the decision and gather input for the future.
The decision to move on from Berhalter was driven by results. Despite the progress made during his tenure, the lack of success in crucial tournaments was a significant factor. “Five years is a long time, and there’s been a lot of building blocks that have been put in place,” Crocker noted. “It was a very, very young group originally, and there has been progress made, but now is the time to turn that progress into winning.”
Berhalter’s journey with the USMNT has been tumultuous. After the 2022 World Cup, his contract was allowed to expire amidst controversy involving one of the team’s young stars, Gio Reyna. An incident from Berhalter’s past was brought to light, prompting a U.S. Soccer investigation. Despite being cleared for re-hire, the tension from these events lingered, and the team struggled to find consistent form upon his return.
The past year has been particularly challenging. Losses to Germany and Trinidad and Tobago, a shaky win over Jamaica, and a heavy defeat to Colombia set off alarms. Despite a draw against Brazil, the Copa América performance underscored the team’s inability to compete at the highest level under Berhalter’s leadership. Six losses in 14 games since September 2023 highlighted the inconsistency that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Berhalter’s tenure ends with a mixed legacy. His 44 wins place him third all-time among USMNT coaches, but the lack of progress in key tournaments overshadowed these accomplishments. “We know we’re capable of more, and in this tournament, we didn’t show it,” Berhalter said after the Copa exit. His belief in his ability to lead the team remained, but the results told a different story.
Christian Pulisic, the team’s captain, echoed the sentiment of needing to regroup and rebuild. “It’s about getting some rest, regrouping, and finding an identity again,” he said. This identity will now be forged by a new manager, one who must harness the potential of a talented but underachieving squad and guide them to success in 2026.
For USMNT fans, this moment is bittersweet. The relief of seeing Berhalter’s tenure end is tempered by the uncertainty of what comes next. The next coach will have the daunting task of meeting high expectations and turning potential into tangible success. U.S. Soccer’s leadership must make a wise choice, one that ensures the team is not only competitive but also capable of achieving greatness on the world stage.
The best case scenario is that U.S. Soccer can attract a candidate who can turn an already winning pedigree into international results. The worst case scenario is an uninspiring and unambitious yes-man. Time will tell which of the two Matt Crocker appoints.