Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as the manager of the United States men's national team following a disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa América. The decision was made by U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker after a thorough review process that included consultations with key stakeholders.
The Americans' early exit from the Copa América, failing to advance past the group stage, marked a significant setback for the team. The hope was that the tournament would serve as a stepping stone towards success at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is set to co-host with Canada and Mexico.
In a statement, U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone expressed gratitude to Berhalter for his dedication to the team. The focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement who can lead the USMNT to on-field success in the future.
Matt Crocker will spearhead the search for a new head coach, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the team's potential as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The failure at the Copa América highlighted the need for a fresh approach to ensure the team's competitiveness on the international stage.
Despite the progress made under Berhalter's tenure, the lack of significant victories in crucial tournaments led to his dismissal. The search for his successor has already begun, with several high-profile names being speculated as potential candidates.
The decision to part ways with Berhalter underscores the heightened expectations for the USMNT following their commendable performance at the 2022 World Cup. The team's inability to build on that success ultimately led to the coaching change.
As the search for a new coach commences, U.S. Soccer remains committed to investing in the national team's success and upholding high standards of performance. The goal is to secure a coach who can deliver results on the field and continue the development of the team's promising players.
Berhalter's departure marks the end of a tenure that saw the team undergo a rebuilding phase and adopt a possession-based style of play. While there were positive outcomes, including winning the Concacaf Nations League, the team's failure to progress further post-2022 World Cup necessitated a change in leadership.
The upcoming months will be crucial as U.S. Soccer aims to appoint a new coach who can guide the USMNT to greater achievements and solidify their position as a competitive force in international football.
