Berhalter returns as USMNT coach till 2026 World Cup
Gregg Berhalter has returnd as manager of the United States men’s national team, the U.S. Soccer Federation formally announced Friday, with the coach signing a new contract through the 2026 World Cup.
Interim coach B.J. Callaghan will however lead the team in Sunday’s Concacaf Nations League final against Canada and during this summer’s Gold Cup, which begins June 24, U.S. Soccer said.
“When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in a statement. “Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward.
“Appointing the right head coach for a National Team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer’s identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him.”
Added Berhalter: “I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to build on our achievements at the World Cup and to contribute to this exciting time for soccer in our country.
“The entire group of players and staff have worked incredibly hard to establish our identity on and off the field. We look forward to continuing our journey together to make our fans and our nation proud.”
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The announcement caps a tumultuous six-month period for Berhalter and the federation.
After leading the U.S. to a round-of-16 finish at the 2022 World Cup, and compiling a record of 37-11-12, since taking over in 2019, Berhalter was in the process of re-signing with the USSF.
But the disclosure by Danielle Reyna, the mother of U.S. midfielder Giovanni Reyna, of a 1992 domestic violence involving Berhalter and his wife, Rosalind, halted those discussions.
The disclosure of the incident was made after Berhalter, speaking at a leadership conference, alluded to a player at the World Cup later identified as Giovanni Reyna who was almost sent home for responding poorly to a reduced role.
A subsequent investigation by the USSF resulted in the federation being satisfied by the Berhalters’ version of events and the restorative steps taken by Gregg Berhalter, enabling him to still be a candidate to resume his role as manager.