The 2026 World Cup may feel like an eternity away as we sit in July 2024, but in the world of international soccer, the tournament is creeping into just-around-the-corner territory. Given that reality, the window for the U.S. men’s national team to part ways with manager Gregg Berhalter and bring in someone new to help build chemistry, morale, and most importantly a winning mindset, is closing fast.
With the USMNT failing to get out of the group stage of Copa America and showing little to no life in losses to Panama and Uruguay en route to its early exit, now feels like a pivotal time for U.S. soccer: the federation either makes a move or Berhalter stays on the sideline.
READ: Gregg Berhalter Booed, Met With ‘Fire Gregg’ Chants After USMNT’s Embarrassing Copa America Exit
If the latter situation unfolds and Berhalter is somehow given another chance, odds point to the USMNT crashing and burning in the 2026 World Cup, which happens to be the biggest occasion in the history of American soccer with the tournament being hosted in North America.
Following the 1-0 loss to Uruguay that sealed the USMNT’s early exit from Copa America, many players were asked about Berhalter’s future as the manager.
Starting goalkeeper Matt Turner, who was not nearly good enough throughout the tournament, predictably complimented Berhalter after the loss and even went as far as to say “I see no issue with the direction we’re heading.”
Turner, or any player for that matter, isn’t going to look in the camera and shout ‘Berhalter Out!’ like everyone on social media, given that he would like to continue to be the No. 1 keeper on the roster moving forward.
Midfielder Weston McKennie said players would “run through a brick wall” for Berhalter after the loss to Uruguay.
Christian Pulisic, captain of the USMNT, was a bit more cryptic and honest with his comment about Berhalter’s future as this team’s manager.
“Look, we have a good relationship with him,” Pulisic said after the loss to Uruguay. “Whatever the next step looks like, it’s not my job to decide.”
Christian Pulisic doesn't look like fully on board with Gregg Berhalter main the USMNT till 2026. (Picture: Ron Jenkins/Getty Photos)
It's price noting that Pulisic, simply probably the most influential participant on the USMNT roster, was one in all a number of gamers who went to bat for Berhalter to be rehired after his contract expires after the 2022 World Cup. The U.S. Soccer Federation carried out a prolonged interview course of , earlier than finally bringing Berhalter again into the fold, regardless of him undertaking not more than another USMNT supervisor earlier than him.
The place of USMNT supervisor has by no means been extra glamorous. The crew is about to host the World Cup in simply over 700 days and doesn’t have to fret about qualifying for the match because the host nation. Moreover, this group of gamers has been labeled by many because the “Golden Era” regardless of not reaching as a lot, which provides additional intrigue for a possible supervisor who could have dominated out the concept of teaching the U.S. nationwide crew within the years. previous.
