The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is back in the game with the formal announcement of Gregg Berhalter’s return as their coach. Berhalter has signed a new contract that will keep him in the position through the 2026 World Cup. The USMNT has had a tumultuous past six months, but the return of Berhalter has the team and its fans feeling hopeful once again.
The U.S. Soccer Federation had been in the process of re-signing Berhalter, but a disclosure by Danielle Reyna, the mother of U.S. midfielder Giovanni Reyna, of a 1992 domestic violence involving Berhalter and his wife, Rosalind, halted those discussions. However, after an investigation by the USSF, the federation was satisfied with the Berhalters’ version of events and the restorative steps taken by Gregg Berhalter, enabling him to still be a candidate to resume his role as manager.
Berhalter had led the USMNT to a round-of-16 finish at the 2022 World Cup, and since taking over in 2019, he has compiled a record of 37-11-12. His experience and growth mindset on and off the field make him the perfect candidate to take the team to new heights in 2026.
“When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026,” said U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker. “Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward. Appointing the right head coach for a National Team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer’s identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him.”
Berhalter expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by U.S. Soccer Federation, “I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to build on our achievements at the World Cup and to contribute to this exciting time for soccer in our country. The entire group of players and staff have worked incredibly hard to establish our identity on and off the field. We look forward to continuing our journey together to make our fans and our nation proud.”
The announcement has come as a relief to USMNT fans who were anxious to know who would lead the team forward. The team’s interim coach, B.J. Callaghan, will continue to lead the team in Sunday’s Concacaf Nations League final against Canada and during this summer’s Gold Cup, which begins June 24.
Former Southampton director of football Crocker was hired in April, and he soon set about searching for a manager to lead the USMNT forward. Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch was thought to be the front-runner, and Crocker reportedly interviewed ten candidates for the post. But ultimately, the search led the USSF back to Berhalter, with the support of U.S. players, including Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic, laying the groundwork for his return.
Crocker, the USSF said, “led a worldwide search process and made the final decision to appoint Berhalter,” adding that the sporting director “used a mix of data and interviews to evaluate a multitude of domestic and international candidates and determine their capabilities in reaching U.S. Soccer’s lofty ambitions to drive the USMNT into one of the top national teams in the world.”
The USMNT is now in good hands with Berhalter back on board. Fans are looking forward to seeing how the team will perform under his leadership and are hoping for a bright future for the sport in the United States.
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