United States coach Gregg Berhalter has been fired following the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the Copa America, the US Soccer Federation announced on Wednesday.
The US Soccer Federation said in a statement that the former national team coach, who was brought back to oversee the team last year, has been relieved of his services “effective immediately.”
“We are extremely grateful to Greg for his commitment over the past five years to the U.S. Men’s National Team and U.S. Soccer,” said U.S. Soccer Director Matt Crocker.
“Greg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and moving the program forward. We wish Greg all the best in his future endeavors and know he will find success in his next coaching position.”
Berhalter’s dismissal comes after the US team was eliminated from the group stage of the continental tournament following two losses to Panama and Uruguay after the opening win over Bolivia.
It is the first time that the host country has been eliminated in the first round, which has led to calls from former international players, critics and fans for Berhalter to be sacked.
The setback comes two years before the country is due to host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, a tournament seen by Americans as an opportunity to expand soccer’s reach in the country.
Crocker explained that the search for a replacement for Berhalter will be the focus of follow-up.
“Our immediate focus is on finding a coach who can develop our potential as we continue to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, and we have already started the search process,” Crocker said.
Berhalter has had positive periods with the US national team, including qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated by the Netherlands in the second round after qualifying from a formidable group in the first round that included England, Wales and Iran.
The 55-year-old also won the CONCACAF Nations League title and the 2021 Gold Cup during his first tenure.
The coach’s contract was not renewed after it expired in December 2022 after a dispute with the family of midfielder Gio Reyna exploded into the open.
The U.S. Soccer Federation investigated allegations of domestic violence against Berhalter in 1992 against his then-girlfriend and current wife. He was later acquitted of the case, before returning to his position in June 2023.
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