The United States lost a match for the first time in 67 years to neighbors Canada after sacking Greg Berhalter as head coach.
Berhalter, who led the team to the 2022 World Cup round of 16 and also CONCACAF titles in 2020 and 2024, was sacked after the Stripes and Stars crashed out in the group stages of the 2024 Copa America.
Sources close to the United States FA disclosed that the football governing house in the country lost confidence in Berhalter after the Copa America 2024 deadlock.
With the United States set to host the 2026 World Cup, the body reportedly developed concerns over Greg Berhalter’s capabilities to lead the team to the bigger footballing event.
Hence, he was shown the exit door with the hunt for a new manager taking center stage. While the sack of Berhalter afforded the team a chance for a new start, it appears the move met the team on the wrong side.
United States records first defeat against Canada in 67 years after Berhalter’s sack
The USA took on Canada in an international friendly at the Mercy Children’s Park in Kansas in their first match after Greg Berhalter was shown the exit door.
The team had not lost to Canada in 67 years before the match but the jinx was shattered after the game. Shaffelburg opened the scoring for the away side in the 17th minute against the run of play.
Shaffelburg’s opening goal was enough to send Canada into the break with the lead. However, a more dominant USA side were expected to claw their charges back into the game with their dominant display.
In the 58th minute, such hopes were battered when Jonathan David doubled the lead in the 58th minute for Canada. Six minutes after the hour-mark, De La Torre would score a consolation goal for the home side.
It was the first time the team had lost to Canada in over six decades, marking a new low in the post-Berhalter era.
Note that the team is currently under the headship of former US U-20 head coach and CONCACAF U-20 Championship winner Mikey Varas. Varas was appointed interim head coach days before the Canada match.
Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino set to replace Greg Berhalter as new manager
Mikey Varas is expected to take charge of the team’s next friendly against New Zealand on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. And that is likely to be his last game as the team’s interim manager.
According to Fabrizio Romano, USA are close to appointing former Chelsea, PSG, Tottenham, and Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino as the new manager.
Talks between the two parties have entered advanced stages with an agreement expected to be reached soon. Meanwhile, close sources reveal Mauricio Pochettino has been offered a contract that will see him take the team to the 2026 World Cup.
Should a deal be agreed between the two parties, it will be the first time Mauricio Pochettino has taken up a national team job. The Argentine is known for his managerial roles across top clubs in Europe.
