Report: Gregg Berhalter's USMNT Future to Be Decided Next Week amid Copa America Exit
July 5, 2024
A decision on United States men's national soccer coach Gregg Berhalter's future with the team is expected next week, per a Fox Sports exclusive.
The United States just finished a bitterly disappointing performance at Copa América by failing to advance out of the group stage. Despite hosting the tournament and enjoying homefield advantage, the U.S. won just one of three matches, losing its other two to Panama and Uruguay.
The United States was widely expected to at least advance out of the group and finish top two. In fact, the latest FIFA ranking had the United States at 11th, higher than fellow group members Uruguay (14th), Panama (43rd) and Bolivia (84th).
The U.S. started with a 2-0 win over Bolivia but fell 2-1 to Panama in a match best remembered by Tim Weah's 18th-minute red card to put the team down to 10 men early on. Still, the team went up 1-0 in the 22nd minute, but Panama fought back with goals in the 26th and 82nd minutes to earn the victory.
The United States then went into a challenging final match against Uruguay and fell to the eventual group victors 1-0, failing to muster much offense throughout.
Berhalter was first hired as the team's manager in Dec. 2018. The team's top highlight during his tenure is a victory at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. One year later, the United States participated in the 2022 World Cup, advancing out of its group with a win and two draws. However, the team fell 3-1 to Netherlands in the Round of 16.
Ultimately, there are big questions surrounding the team's future after a tough showing here, especially with the team two years out from hosting the World Cup. Now we'll soon find out if Berhalter stays on or if the United States pivots and searches for a new voice.