The recent firing of Gregg Berhalter as the manager of the United States men’s national team has sent shockwaves through the soccer community. This decision came on the heels of the team’s dismal performance at the 2024 Copa América, where they failed to advance past the group stage after losses to Uruguay and Panama. This marked the first time in the team’s history that they had not progressed out of the group stage in the CONMEBOL event. The hope was that the tournament would serve as a platform for success at the 2026 World Cup, but instead, it highlighted the lack of progress made by the USMNT since the 2022 World Cup.
The call to remove Berhalter was made by U.S. Soccer’s sporting director, Matt Crocker, after an extensive 10-day review process. This review involved consultations with several key figures within the organization, including president Cindy Parlow Cone, CEO JT Batson, vice president of sporting Oguchi Onyewu, and board members. The decision-making process also included polling board members to gauge their stance on Berhalter’s performance and the need for a change. Despite acknowledging Berhalter’s hard work and dedication, Cone emphasized the importance of finding the right person to lead the team to on-field success in the future.
Crocker has taken on the responsibility of leading the search for Berhalter’s replacement and has already initiated the process. The focus is on finding a coach who can maximize the team’s potential as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. With no World Cup qualifying matches to assist in their preparation as hosts, the USMNT’s upcoming challenge lies in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Crocker highlighted the urgency to secure a coach who can not only build on the progress made but also deliver the much-needed wins in critical competitions.
Following the team’s impressive run in the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 with a young squad, expectations had risen for the USMNT. However, Berhalter’s tenure post-World Cup has been marred by inconsistent performances and struggles to demonstrate improvement. The narrow victories over Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, coupled with the disappointing Copa América campaign, intensified calls for Berhalter’s dismissal. The failure to capitalize on the team’s potential and translate progress into tangible results eventually led to his departure.
As U.S. Soccer embarks on the search for a new coach, names of prominent international and domestic candidates have surfaced. From Jürgen Klopp to MLS coaches like Steve Cherundolo, the organization aims to secure a coach who aligns with their vision of achieving success on the field. Crocker emphasized the importance of competitiveness in the coaching market to attract the caliber of talent needed to steer the team towards victory. The focus remains on nurturing a winning culture and providing the necessary resources to propel the USMNT forward.
Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal signifies the organization’s commitment to pursuing excellence and addressing shortcomings in the team’s performance. While Berhalter’s efforts in rebuilding the team post-2018 World Cup failure are acknowledged, the lack of significant progress since the 2022 World Cup prompted a change in leadership. The decision to part ways with Berhalter underscores the relentless pursuit of success and the high expectations set for the USMNT as they gear up for future competitions.
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