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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Daniel Chavkin

U.S. Soccer’s Crocker Explains Hire of Gregg Berhalter for 2026 World Cup

The United States Soccer Federation officially re-named Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT coach on Friday, following a search. Berhalter coached the team in the World Cup last year, but his contract expired not long after, opening the door for a coaching search.

However, despite a lengthy process and an investigation into an incident off the field involving Berhalter, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker decided that Berhalter was the right person to lead the team when the United States hosts the World Cup in 2026.

“When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026,” Crocker said in the statement. “Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward. Appointing the right head coach for a National Team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer’s identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him.”

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