Despite showing unity and determination, the USMNT’s performance under Gregg Berhalter has stagnated, raising doubts about his suitability to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.
Berhalter hasn’t lost the locker room, evidenced by the team’s fight against top-tier opponents. However, the team’s trajectory since Qatar 2022 suggests stagnation, if not regression. Warning signs were evident before this summer’s Copa América, with the chaotic 5-1 defeat to Colombia and a narrow win against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League. A 3-1 home loss to Germany and a nerve-wracking aggregate win over Trinidad & Tobago in previous matches added to the concerns.
The Copa América highlighted the team’s shortcomings. After a 2-1 loss to Panama, the US needed a win against Uruguay but fell short, losing 1-0. Despite matching Uruguay in several aspects, they failed to secure the necessary result, leading to fans anxiously following other matches for a glimmer of hope.
Berhalter’s leadership is reminiscent of Jürgen Klinsmann’s late era, marked by tactical ambitions giving way to more basic strategies. The US, failing to advance from the group stage of a major tournament for the first time since 2007, signals a significant underachievement. Berhalter’s mission to elevate American soccer hasn’t materialized through the national team’s performance but through individual players’ successes at their clubs.
Berhalter did stabilize the program post-2018 World Cup qualification debacle, nurturing young talent and meeting expectations in Qatar 2022. However, the current failure, finishing third in the group behind Uruguay and Panama, is a collective shortfall. Rehired after a six-month hiatus and an extensive global search, Berhalter’s tenure is now under scrutiny.
US Soccer’s technical director, Matt Crocker, employed a rigorous hiring process to avoid a hasty decision, aiming for a leader committed to long-term development. Yet, the US team’s recent loss to Uruguay, managed by the legendary Marcelo Bielsa, underscores the need for a change. Crocker, not one for impulsive decisions, may still deliberate extensively, but the pressing question remains: Can Berhalter lead the team to at least the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup?
In sports, especially international soccer, success hinges on results. The USMNT’s inconsistent performances against top nations under Berhalter cast doubt on his ability to lead effectively. Christian Pulisic’s comments after the recent defeat highlight the need for regrouping and finding a new identity. With the squad’s individual talents maturing, the lack of consistent results and the inability to beat benchmark nations like Uruguay underscore the need for a leadership change.
US Soccer’s statement on conducting a comprehensive review is promising, but the current standings speak volumes. The upcoming review must address whether Berhalter is the right man to lead the USMNT forward, with the focus on improvement and readiness for the 2026 World Cup.
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