U.S. Soccer announced on Friday that they finally got their man to take over as permanent head coach of the men’s national team, and it was none other than Gregg Berhalter as the organization decided that he should guide them through to the 2026 World Cup.
The news came after a months-long search that also included the USSF looking to appoint a new Sporting Director following the departure of Earnie Stewart. In addition, the team has also gone through two interim head coaches, namely Anthony Hudson and BJ Callaghan. The latter is currently coaching the team through the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup.
After names such as Jesse Marsch, Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, and a few others were brought up in the conversation, ultimately, U.S. Soccer felt that Berhalter deserved to return to the post.
“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 new Sporting Director Matt Crocker in a press release provided by the organization. “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.”
The 49-year-old former player was first appointed as head coach of the team back in December 2018, with a mission to return them back to the World Cup. He did that along with winning both the inaugural Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Berhalter helped the team progress to the round of 16 after a win and two draws in a group that had England, Wales, and Iran.
However, his contract would expire at the end of the year amid an investigation of a domestic violence incident many years ago. Investigators would later determine that Berhalter was truthful throughout the period, which cleared him to be reconsidered for the coaching job.
After reports that he was being considered for coaching jobs at Club America in Liga MX and Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the New Jersey native decided to go through with another World Cup cycle.
“I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me,” said Berhalter. “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.”
Now, after sealing his return to coaching the national team, Berhalter will have to work to mend fences with several players as he sets his sights on preparing for next year’s Copa America on U.S. soil.
Follow Yanks Abroad on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for news and views on Americans playing the beautiful game around the world and the U.S. national team.
