Berhalter’s Dismissal
Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team following their early exit from the Copa America. The US Soccer Federation announced the decision on Wednesday, citing the need for a new direction as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Performance and Criticism
Berhalter faced significant criticism after the US squad failed to progress past the group stage in the ongoing Copa America, held in the United States. The team started the tournament with a victory against Bolivia but suffered defeats to Panama and Uruguay, finishing third in Group C and missing out on the knockout stages. This poor performance increased the pressure on Berhalter and led to questions about his suitability to lead the team into the next World Cup.
Federation’s Response and Future Plans
US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone expressed gratitude for Berhalter’s contributions, stating, “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to US Soccer and our Men’s National Team.” The federation’s sporting director, Matt Crocker, has initiated the search for a new head coach. “Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup,” Crocker added.
Berhalter’s Tenure
Berhalter, who was initially hired in 2018, led the team to notable achievements, including a knockout stage appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a Gold Cup victory in 2021, and two CONCACAF Nations League titles. His record stands at 44-17-13 in 74 matches. Despite his successes, Berhalter’s tenure was marred by controversy, including an investigation into past misconduct, which he was cleared of in March 2023.
Future Matches
The US men’s national team is scheduled to play an international friendly against Canada on September 7 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. The search for a new head coach is ongoing, with the federation committed to finding a leader who can drive the team towards success in the upcoming World Cup.
Key Moments and Statistics
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Hired as head coach | 2018 |
| Knockout stage, World Cup | 2022 |
| Gold Cup victory | 2021 |
| CONCACAF Nations League titles | 2 Titles |
| Total matches | 74 |
| Record | 44-17-13 |
The US Soccer Federation is determined to foster a winning culture and ensure the team is well-prepared for future challenges.(Nice88)