Gregg Berhalter confirmed for second spell as USMNT head coach
Gregg Berhalter has been reinstated as the USMNT's head coach. The 49-year-old has been appointed to lead the side through to the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted at cities across the US, Mexico and Canada.
The move is the former MLS player's first role since leaving the national team just six months ago when his contract expired. His exit came under a cloud of scrutiny following a very public fall-out with the Reyna family.
Berhalter guided the USMNT to an impressive World Cup which ended in a Round of 16 exit against the Netherlands. Prior to the result the team enjoyed a group stage win over Iran and two draws with England and Wales.
After accepting the role, Berhalter said: “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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In a statement released by U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker, he 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. Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward.
Berhalter lead the USMNT to a Round-of-16 finish at the Qatar World Cup (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)"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.”
During the Qatar World Cup, Berhalter made the news after an apparent rift between himself and USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna. Reports at the time suggested Reyna was almost sent home for a lack of effort and a formal investigation was launched.
Results of the investigation showed that Reyna's parents had sent several texts, calls and emails to the US Soccer chiefs for years. The messages included complaints about how their son had been treated under Berhalter and a lack of playing time.
Berhalter also made headlines after the tournament when details surrounding a domestic incident in 1992 emerged. Shortly after Berhalter's departure as coach, his assistant Anthony Hudson was named interim head coach. The USMNT had conducted a search to find a replacement but have since landed back where they started.
The USMNT's last match ended in chaotic scenes when the side took on Mexico at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game saw four red cards, multiple on-field brawls and was forced to end early due to homophobic chanting.
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