When Gregg Berhalter assumed the role of U.S. men’s national team head coach over five years ago, he inherited a program in dire need of revival. The devastating loss to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017 that resulted in the U.S. failing to qualify for the World Cup the following year sent shockwaves throughout U.S. Soccer, prompting a critical self-assessment of the organization’s shortcomings, especially in nurturing young talent. Berhalter was tasked with leading the team into a new era, and now, after a disappointing showing in the Copa America, questions are being raised about his future with the team.
Following the recent loss to Uruguay at Copa America that saw the U.S. exit at the group stage, Berhalter was asked whether he still believed he was the right person for the job. His answer was a resolute “Yes.” However, the final decision rests with U.S. Soccer leadership, who will be evaluating Berhalter’s performance in the coming days.
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“Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better,” U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker stated in a post-game statement. The federation plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s performance, aiming to improve results leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. lost to Panama and Uruguay during the Copa America group stage. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Berhalter took on the challenging task of rebuilding the team with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. His strategic approach was evident in the team’s roster selections that included a balance of seasoned veterans like Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, alongside rising stars such as Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Christian Pulisic.
The team’s progress under Berhalter’s guidance was apparent when they clinched the Nations League title, marking the first of three consecutive victories in the tournament. Despite some setbacks, including a third-place finish in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, the team’s qualification to the 2022 World Cup signified a significant step forward.
Berhalter helped the U.S. return to the World Cup in 2022 after the team failed to qualify in 2018 (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The ultimate goal was to prepare the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S. Working diligently, Berhalter drove the team forward, closing the chapter on past disappointments while instilling a vision for a brighter future.
