Greg Berhalter has lost his job as United States Men’s national team coach following a disappointing campaign in Copa America 2024.
While the US scored less on the rating board on favorites to win the competition, Berhalter was at least expected to lead the team to the knockouts.
It was a promising start for the Stars and Stripes. They opened their campaign with an emphatic 2-0 win over Bolivia, lost the second match 2-1 to Panama, and lost again with the same scoreline to group leaders and semi-finalists Uruguay. The two successive defeats saw the team crash out of the tournament.
Reacting to the deadlock, Greg Berhalter acknowledged the disappointment of the group-stage exit but seemed to make excuses, saying the Copa America was meant to be a preparation for the 2026 World Cup which will be co-hosted by the country.
“The Copa America result is extremely disappointing and I take full responsibility for our performance.
“Our approach and process was always focused on the 2026 World Cup and I remain confident that this group will be one of the great stories in 2026,” he said.
Nine days after the deadlock, he has now been shown the exit door. His sack was confirmed by the team’s sports director Matt Crocker, who revealed the next plan for the team after the sack.
“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process.”
It is the second time Greg Berhalter has lost his job as US men’s national team manager. The first instance was not related to performance but allegations of assault and domestic abuse.
A month after the team crashed out in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, the 50-year-old was indicted for assaulting his wife, Rosalind Berhalter, while they were in college during the early days of their relationship.
He was temporarily suspended from his role due to the allegations for investigations. In the course of the suspension, his contract expired and he left the role. However, he was rehired five months later due to his impact on the team on his first spell.
Greg Berhalter performance with US national team
Greg Berhalter joined the US men’s national team as manager in 2018 after his spell with Columbus Crew in the MLS. He led the team to CONCACAF Nations League victory in 2021. He won the trophy again in 2024 and led the team’s reserve squad to CONCACAF Gold Cup win in 2021.
Having played for the team during his playing career, he was tipped to put up a strong showing in Copa America 2024 to stand a chance of retaining his role till the 2026 World Cup.
Following the sack, he now has two choices – a return to club football management or continuing his managerial career on the international scene. He is a respected manager in American soccer and is certainly going to land a new managerial offer soon. However, as of the time of filing this report, he has yet to be linked with any managerial offer.
What is next for US Soccer team?
Despite Berhalter’s successes with the team, the concern among US soccer administrators has been on his ability to take charge of the team in a larger tournament as the 2026 World Cup. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked to the vacancy, including the likes of Jesse Marsch, Maximiliano Allegri, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, the team has yet to get a new hand but the search is on. They will next be in action on September 2024 taking on Canada and New Zealand in international friendlies. Berhalter’s successor is expected to be found before the friendlies.
