US soccer coach Gregg Berhalter fired: USMNT seeks new manager after Copa America disaster

The head coach of the US men’s national team, Gregg Berhalter, has been fired just over a week after the team’s shock group stage elimination from the 2024 Copa America. The US entered the Cup with relatively high expectations, the bare minimum of making it out of the group stage and showing competitiveness against stronger opposition, but a stunning loss to Panama in the second match of the tournament hastened their exit before Uruguay won the final nail hit. in the team’s box, and ultimately in Berhalter’s time with the team. Needing to improve on Panama’s result against Bolivia in the final match against Uruguay, the Americans failed to do so against one of the tournament’s favorites, leaving the need to hit the reset button just two years away organizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for entrusting me to lead this team over the past five years. Representing our country is a tremendous honor and I am proud of the identity we have built both on and off the field. has been very satisfying to watch. This team has gone from strength to strength over the years and I remain grateful for the lifelong bonds that have been created with our players, coaches and staff,” Berhalter said in a statement. “The Copa America result is extremely disappointing and I take full responsibility for our performance. Our approach and process has always been focused on the 2026 World Cup and I remain convinced that this group will be one of the big stories in 2026. “

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The USMNT coach was unable to achieve a single top-level victory during his five years in charge, apart from dominating struggling rivals Mexico. He had five top-20 wins (in terms of FIFA rankings), but four were against Mexico and one against Iran.

“I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to US Soccer and our men’s national team,” US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a news release. “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 take the USMNT into a new era of success on the field to lead.”

As for what’s next, it remains to be seen, but fans are wondering if now is the time to go after a big boss. There certainly are many possible options out there. The US have been linked with the likes of Jose Mourinho in the past, while World Cup winner Joachim Low and French legend Zinedine Zidane are potentially available. The early fan favorite is certainly former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, while MLS coaches such as Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy and LAFC’s Steve Cherundolo are also names to watch.

“We are extremely grateful to Gregg for his dedication to the men’s national team and US Soccer over the past five years,” Crocker said in a news release. “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 the very 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. We have already started our search process.”