The saga began with a disapproving shake of Gregg Berhalter’s head, followed by a chorus of boos and despondent looks from the crowd. As U.S. soccer fans exited Arrowhead Stadium, they chanted, “Fire Gregg! Fire Gregg!” The atmosphere was somber as players made their way through post-match interviews, with questions swirling about their confidence in Berhalter as their coach.
Defender Antonee Robinson acknowledged the blunt question of whether Berhalter should continue as head coach, stating that the disappointment of failing to advance from the Copa América group was evident. The tournament, once filled with promise for the U.S. team, had now put Berhalter’s job in jeopardy.
In early 2023, the U.S. team seemed poised for success, with Berhalter at the helm. However, their recent performances have not lived up to expectations, leading to calls for his dismissal. Despite initial optimism about Berhalter’s leadership, it is now clear that the team’s progress has stalled under his guidance.
As U.S. Soccer officials assess the situation, the decision whether to retain Berhalter lies with sporting director Matt Crocker. While Berhalter’s appointment initially seemed sensible, it is now apparent that a change may be necessary to elevate the team’s performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The review process will be thorough, analyzing both statistical data and team dynamics. Ultimately, the fate of Berhalter as head coach rests in the hands of U.S. Soccer leadership, who must determine the best course of action to improve the team’s results moving forward. Crocker might reconsider his evaluation of the Copa América failure, attributing it to individual errors rather than systemic issues. Even though some players agree with this assessment, the chronic nature of these mistakes could indicate a breakdown in the coach-player relationship. Berhalter, however, remains confident in his ability to lead the team effectively.
Considering the financial implications of terminating Berhalter’s contract, Crocker may question whether it is worth the cost to replace him with a higher-paid foreign coach. Additionally, the lack of viable candidates for the position and the potential disruption a coaching change could bring might deter Crocker from taking such drastic action.
Despite Berhalter’s positive qualities as a leader and motivator, the USMNT’s performances have not met expectations. They have struggled against top-ranked opponents and have failed to consistently perform at a high level. The team’s offensive tactics, in particular, have come under scrutiny, with players and analysts alike questioning whether the system is the root of their struggles.
The failure of the so-called “golden generation” to reach its full potential reflects poorly on Berhalter, as he has been unable to translate individual players’ success at the club level to success on the international stage. While the team boasts talented individuals, their collective improvement as a unit has been lacking since the 2022 World Cup. Pulisic and others maintain that they are continually striving to improve, but the results on the field suggest otherwise.
Ultimately, Crocker must weigh the pros and cons of retaining Berhalter as head coach, considering both the financial implications and the team’s performance under his leadership. While loyalty and continuity are important factors to consider, the need for change may be necessary to propel the USMNT to the next level.
However, a significant portion of the blame for this deficiency must be placed on Berhalter.
Many may still support him as a mentor and even a friend. But during discussions on Monday, their support seemed less resolute than it was last spring when many advocated for his reinstatement.
“We were very vocal about our appreciation for Gregg as our coach,” Robinson stated. “The way his first term ended was not necessarily due to the team’s performance. But now, it’s easier to assess our performance under him in the last couple of years since the World Cup. So, yeah, I can’t ignore that.”
Pulisic, who was a strong supporter of Berhalter last spring, said: “We have a good relationship with him. Whatever happens next is not my decision to make.”