Gregg Berhalter canned as USMNT coach after Copa America failure

Jul 11, 2024, 11:04 AM

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 1: Gregg Berhalter Head Coach of the United States during the National Anthem before the CONMEBOL Copa America group C match between the United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

(Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

With the disappointing result in this year’s Copa America tournament, the U.S. Soccer Federation has decided to make a change: Gregg Berhalter is out as head coach.

The news broke Wednesday afternoon, with Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports having the scoop initially. An official announcement from the USSF came within the hour of news breaking, confirming most peoples’ assumptions that Berhalter would be let go by The Committee.

The Federation made an official statement on the decision to move on from Gregg Berhalter.

Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately » https://t.co/sHi1ss2QDe pic.twitter.com/pkHAiCRGnP

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) July 10, 2024

“I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and our Men’s National Team,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in the statement. “We are now focused on working with our Sporting Director Matt Crocker and 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.”

“We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment the past five years to the Men’s National Team and to U.S. Soccer,” Crocker added, the man who re-hired Berhalter last June. “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.

“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.”

Gregg Berhalter, 50, was intially hired in 2018, about 14 months following U.S. Soccer’s shocking inability to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. He lead the Americans back to 2022 tournament, reaching the Round of 16. He was re-hired for the 2026 World Cup cycle by Crocker last summer.

Berhalter leaves U.S. soccer with a 29-9-7 record in official competitions. Under his guidance, USMNT hoisted the 2021 Gold Cup and two CONCACAF Nations League titles.

Who could replace Gregg Berhalter?

The USSF is now in active searches for their next manager, with interviews and inquires expected to be begin in the coming weeks.

One name that has been mentioned is former Liverpool F.C. manager Jurgen Klopp. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the managerial giant has politely turned down the opportunity as he looks to take a break from soccer.

Who will be the next USMNT Head Coach? 🤔@ByDougMcIntyre shares his top 10 candidates to watch ⬇️ https://t.co/Q4oNxipGiN pic.twitter.com/0DM1gtbvsP

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024