Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team following a disappointing performance in the Copa America. The U.S. Soccer Federation announced his termination on Wednesday after the team suffered a dismal group stage exit in the tournament, which was hosted on U.S. soil.

Statement from U.S. Soccer Federation

“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," U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. Berhalter's departure marks a significant turning point for the national team as it seeks to rebuild and refocus its efforts.

Copa America Performance

The U.S. began its Copa America campaign with a promising 2-0 win against Bolivia in the tournament that featured teams from South America, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean. Many analysts and fans projected the U.S. team to advance from Group C, considering their strong start.

However, their hopes were dashed following a 2-1 loss to Panama on June 27. This match was particularly contentious, with a critical moment occurring when Tim Weah received a red card for throwing a punch at a Panamanian player just 18 minutes into the game. This left the U.S. team a man down for the majority of the match, and José Fajardo's goal in the 83rd minute sealed the win for Panama.

The U.S. team's fate was further sealed with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay on July 1. Uruguay, a 15-time Copa America champion, showcased their prowess and ended the U.S.'s run in the tournament. This early exit was seen as a significant setback, especially as the tournament was one of the last opportunities for the U.S. team to face strong international competition before the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada.

Berhalter’s Tenure and Achievements

Gregg Berhalter, 50, was the first American to coach the national team after having played for it in a World Cup. He was hired in December 2018 after coaching stints with Sweden’s Hammarby (2011-13) and Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew (2013-18). Berhalter was tasked with leading a generational revamp of the U.S. soccer program, incorporating young talents like Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Antonee Robinson, who were gaining prominence in European clubs.

Under Berhalter’s leadership, the U.S. team achieved notable successes, including winning two CONCACAF Nations League titles and the 2021 Gold Cup. In the 2022 World Cup, the team made it out of the group stage, which included England, Wales, and Iran, but was eliminated in the round of 16 by the Netherlands with a 3-1 loss.

Post-World Cup and Rehire Controversy

After the World Cup, Berhalter enjoyed strong public support from some players who praised the culture he fostered within the team. This support contributed to his rehiring five months after his initial contract expired, despite an investigation into a decades-old domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and the woman who would later become his wife. A law firm retained by the USSF concluded that the incident was isolated and found no evidence of further misconduct by Berhalter, thus deeming him fit for rehiring.

Moving Forward

Sporting Director Matt Crocker expressed disappointment in the team’s Copa America performance, stating it “fell short of our expectations.” With less than two years before the World Cup returns to American soil, the focus is on finding a coach who can maximize the team's potential. The U.S. team is set to play their opener on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California.

“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can maximize our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already begun our search process,” Crocker stated after announcing Berhalter's departure. The upcoming search for a new coach will be critical as the U.S. Soccer Federation aims to ensure the national team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead and can capitalize on the home advantage in the 2026 World Cup.