COPA AMÉRICA
Why was Gregg Berhalter sacked as USMNT coach after the Copa América
The American coach will step down from his position with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) after being eliminated in the group stage of the tournament held in the United States.
Following the U.S. Men’s National Team’s failure in the 2024 Conmebol Copa América, it was announced on Wednesday that Gregg Berhalter is leaving his role as head coach. After failing to advance past the group stage in the competition hosted in the U.S., Berhalter will not continue his journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
According to Doug McIntyre, Berhalter’s second tenure with the USMNT has come to an end, and now U.S. Soccer must seek a new head coach to get the team back on track for the World Cup, which will be held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Since the USMNT were knocked out, the federation has been reviewing the team’s performance, and believes there is now a need for a clearer direction.
Despite winning the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League in March, marking Berhalter’s second title in that competition with the Stars and Stripes, the early exit from the Copa América has led to his departure. This decision underscores the high expectations and the disappointment of not advancing further in the tournament.
It’s also noteworthy that B.J. Callaghan has left the USMNT staff to become the new head coach of Nashville SC in MLS, indicating ongoing changes within the team. Callaghan had served as the interim coach during the period when Berhalter was resolving issues with Gio Reyna and his family. The 43-year-old led the U.S. to win their second Nations League title in the 2022-23 season.
Official statement from U.S. Soccer
In an official statement, U.S. Soccer announced the departure of the 50-year-old coach with the following message: “Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, effective immediately.”
Additionally, federation president Cindy Parlow Cone commented: “I want to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to U.S. Soccer and our Men’s National Team. We are now focused on working with our Sporting Director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success.”