Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his duties as the U.S. men's soccer coach following his team's early exit from the Copa America tournament, raising doubts about his ability to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup. Berhalter's second term as coach was ended after just 10 months, during which the team achieved seven wins, six losses, and one draw, bringing his overall record to 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws.
In a statement, Berhalter took full responsibility for the team's disappointing performance in the Copa America and expressed confidence in the group's potential for the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. team's recent results included a win against Bolivia, followed by losses to Panama and Uruguay.
The search for Berhalter's replacement has already begun, with names like Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry, and Marcelo Bielsa being speculated as potential candidates. Salary considerations may play a role in the selection process, as Berhalter earned a significant amount during his tenure.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, adds urgency to finding a new coach who can maximize the team's potential. The team's next competitive matches are likely to be in the CONCACAF Nations League before the World Cup.
Berhalter, who was the first American to coach the national team after playing in a World Cup, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team and highlighted the progress made during his tenure. Despite some successes, concerns were raised about the team's performance against non-regional opponents and disciplinary issues among players.
U.S. coaches have faced challenges in second cycles historically, with previous coaches experiencing mixed results. The new coach will inherit a talented squad featuring players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, but some players have struggled to secure playing time at top-tier clubs.
As the search for a new coach continues, the focus remains on preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup and building a competitive squad capable of making an impact on the global stage.
