Gregg Berhalter’s Tenure: Analyzing the Rise and Fall
Gregg Berhalter’s time as the U.S. men’s national soccer team manager was marked by consistent, yet underwhelming results. Berhalter met modest expectations but never inspired the broader soccer community. His journey included rebuilding the squad after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, winning multiple Concacaf Nations League titles, and reaching the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup. However, the team’s failure to advance past the group stage in the Copa América led to Berhalter’s dismissal, a decision made by U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker.
The decision to part ways with Berhalter underscores U.S. Soccer’s need for change and better results. Crocker pointed out issues with chance creation, set-piece scoring, and overall team evolution over the last year. Despite his initial support for bringing Berhalter back in June 2023, Crocker now faces the task of finding a coach who can reignite the team’s potential. He aims to have the new coach in place before the September international window, emphasizing the importance of hiring a coach with a proven winning track record and a passion for player development.
Moving forward, U.S. Soccer must focus on selecting a leader capable of advancing the national team’s performance on the global stage, especially with the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. Crocker has expressed a willingness to invest in a high-quality coach, demonstrating the federation’s commitment to achieving higher standards and success. By targeting the right candidate, U.S. Soccer hopes to reverse its recent decline and re-establish itself as a formidable force in international soccer.
