Less than two months after the American men were eliminated from the Qatar World Cup, the embryonic 2026 cycle is kicking off amid short- and mid-term uncertainty.
There’s no head coach. Gregg Berhalter’s contract has expired and U.S. Soccer’s investigation into his conduct—plus that of Gio Reyna’s parents and the scandal that unfolded following their contact of Federation officials—has stalled the normal post–World Cup program review and hiring process.
There’s also no clear road map toward the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged primarily in the U.S. Absent qualifying, the American men don’t have much compelling competition scheduled over the next three-plus years. There have been discussions about an enlarged 2024 Copa América or perhaps a “test event” arranged alongside FIFA. But for now, there’s little clarity beyond the two low-key friendlies this month, Concacaf Nations League games in March and possibly June, and then this summer’s Gold Cup. The ’24 Summer Olympics is a U-23 event (with three over-age players permitted).
