The USA has parted ways with head coach Gregg Berhalter following their disappointing group-stage exit from the Copa America.
This month, the team made history by becoming the first host nation to be eliminated from the group phase, suffering defeats against Panama and Uruguay.
“We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment over the past five years to the men’s national team and to US soccer,” said United States Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker. “Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the vacant position, and Crocker confirmed that the “search process” for a new head coach has begun.
The USA is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, increasing the urgency to find a new leader for the team.
Berhalter, 50, had two stints in charge of the national team. His first term ended in 2022 following an investigation into past misconduct, where he admitted to kicking his wife when they were teenagers. US Soccer’s investigation concluded that there was “no legal impediment to employing him.”
During his first spell, Berhalter led the USA to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the Concacaf Nations League and the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. However, his second term, which lasted only 14 games, ended abruptly after the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.
Despite the setbacks, Berhalter maintained his belief in his leadership. After the loss to Uruguay, he stated that he was still the right person to guide the team to the 2026 World Cup.
