U.S. Soccer’s Crocker Explains Hire of Gregg Berhalter for 2026 World Cup

The coach led the USMNT in the 2022 World Cup before his contract expired.

The United States Soccer Federation officially re-named Gregg Berhalter as the USMNT coach on Friday, following a search. Berhalter coached the team in the World Cup last year, but his contract expired not long after, opening the door for a coaching search.

However, despite a lengthy process and an investigation into an incident off the field involving Berhalter, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker decided that Berhalter was the right person to lead the team when the United States hosts the World Cup in 2026.

“When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026,” Crocker said in the 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.”

Berhalter first took over for the USMNT in 2018, leading the team for four years ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Last fall, he helped lead the USMNT to a second-place finish in group play in Qatar and as far as the first round of the knockout stages, where the team lost to the Netherlands.

After the conclusion of the World Cup, Berhalter was the subject of a U.S. Soccer probe into allegations of a 1992 domestic violence incident with his wife prior to their marriage. The incident was disclosed by the parents of Gio Reyna, whose limited playing time in the tournament was the subject of controversy. 

Following a thorough investigation, Berhalter was cleared by U.S. Soccer and kept in consideration for a contract renewal.

In Friday’s statement, Berhalter explained how he is looking forward to taking the USMNT to the next level.

“I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me,” Berhalter said. “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.”

Crocker added that while Berhalter will return, acting head coach B.J. Callaghan will remain in that role through the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, while Berhalter will help Crocker with bigger picture ideas this summer. The U.S. defeated Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on Thursday night.