Sources have informed ESPN that Gregg Berhalter will remain manager of the United States men’s national team. The deal is expected to be finalized soon and will be valid until the 2026 World Cup. Berhalter was initially appointed as manager in December 2018, following the team’s failure to qualify for that year’s tournament. The Americans reached the Round of 16 of the last World Cup under his management, where they were defeated 3-1 by the Netherlands. The U.S. team has automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with Mexico and Canada.
Giovanni Reyna’s Family Contacted USSF
Berhalter had been discussing a new contract with USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart when the family of Giovanni Reyna contacted the USSF. The family was unhappy with the midfielder’s lack of playing time at the 2022 World Cup and alleged that Berhalter had assaulted a woman in 1992, who later became his wife. The USSF retained the services of the Alston and Bird legal team to investigate the matter. The law firm stated in a report that Berhalter’s conduct “likely constituted the misdemeanor crime of assault on a female.” However, they found that he did not withhold any information when he was hired and there was “no basis to conclude that employing Mr. Berhalter would create legal risks for an organization.”
Managerial Changes
USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart resigned on January 26, 2022, and was replaced by Matt Crocker, the director of football operations at Southampton. Crocker began the search for a new coach and stated that he planned to make a decision by the end of summer. On Thursday, Jesse Marsch’s agent tweeted that his client would not become the American coach. Berhalter’s assistant, Anthony Hudson, became the interim coach on January 4 and coached the Americans to two wins, one loss, and two draws. He resigned on May 30 to become the coach of the Qatari club Al Markhiya. Another assistant, B.J. Callaghan, replaced Hudson and led the Americans to a 3-0 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on Thursday, securing their spot in the finals against Canada.
Final Thoughts
Berhalter will continue as manager of the United States men’s national team until the 2026 World Cup. The allegations made against him by the family of Giovanni Reyna were investigated by the USSF and the legal team found no basis to conclude that his employment would create legal risks for the organization. The American team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with Mexico and Canada. The search for a new coach, led by Matt Crocker, is ongoing, and Anthony Hudson and B.J. Callaghan have both served as interim coaches. The Americans will face Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League finals.
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