Gregg Berhalter will not lead the USA to the 2026 World Cup at home. After the early exit at the Copa America, the federation parted ways with the former Bundesliga player
Almost exactly a year ago, Gregg Berhalter was still officially considered the great hope for the 2026 World Cup at home by the US Soccer Federation. But now the separation has taken place. A few days after the preliminary round exit at the Copa America, which is also being held in the USA and ends on Sunday with the final between Colombia and defending champions Argentina, the association announced that the national coach had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
After the USA had to let Uruguay and Panama go first at the Copa as hosts despite winning Group C, Berhalter was quickly criticized, although this was not mentioned in the official press release. “I would like to thank Gregg for his hard work and dedication to US Soccer and our men’s national team,” said President Cindy Parlow Cone, bidding farewell to Berhalter with warm words instead.
Sports Director Matt Crocker is now tasked with finding a successor two years before the World Cup. “Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we’ve already begun the search,” Crocker said. “Gregg has earned the respect of everyone in our organization. “
Berhalter had only returned to his post in August 2023
Berhalter, who played professionally for Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich, among others, became national team coach for the first time in December 2018, won the 2021 Gold Cup and led Christian Pulisic & Co. to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After that, his contract was initially not extended, while allegations from the past were made at the same time.
However, the now 50-year-old returned to the job on August 1. At the time, Crocker was still convinced “that Gregg is the right person for the job”. Now Berhalter is leaving the association for good – with a record of 44 wins from 74 games.
