U.S. Soccer confirms, Gregg Berhalter will return as USMNT coach

Gregg Berhalter is returning as U.S. Men’s National team soccer coach.

U.S. Soccer confirmed the news Friday morning. Late Thursday night, it was reported by various news outlets, initially by The Athletic that Berhalter was returning.

The move comes after what U.S. Soccer calls a “worldwide search” process, led by new Sporting Director Matt Crocker.

“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. “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’s first tenure began in December 2018, following the U.S. failure to qualify for that World Cup. At the 2022 World Cup, he led the U.S. to the Round of 16, eventually losing to the Netherlands.

Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of 2022 and then he was embroiled in a controversy that included the parents of Giovanni Reyna regarding a lack of playing time, which also led to them contacting the U.S. Soccer Federation regarding a domestic violence incident that Berhalter had in 1992 with his now wife.

U.S. Soccer then began an investigation into the incident, which eventually cleared Berhalter, but didn’t renew his contract.

Anthony Hudson replaced him in an interim role and now B.J. Callaghan has replaced Hudson, who has left for another coaching job.

Crocker, who replaced Ernie Stewart as Sporting Director, said he planned on making a coaching decision by late summer.

Berhalter has posted a 37-11-12 record during his previous tenure.

Callaghan, who led the U.S. in preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League, will remain in charge for Sunday’s final against Canada and also for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which begins next week.