Gregg Berhalter arrived in New York on Tuesday for an interview with the U.S. Soccer Federation, exactly 161 days after the organization had initially announced his replacement with an interim coach. The interview, led by sporting director Matt Crocker, lasted for nearly 10 hours and involved a range of assessments, including psychometrics, abstract reasoning tests, strategic discussions, and evaluation of his ability to handle pressure.
The day after the interview, Berhalter found himself at Newark Liberty International Airport when he received a call on his phone. It was Matt on the other end, informing him, “You’re the guy.” The announcement of his rehiring as the leader of the American team for the 2026 World Cup was later made by the USSF. Berhalter expressed his elation, saying, “It was a great feeling. You can only imagine what the last six months have been like.”
While Berhalter had been in discussions with Mexico’s Club América about their coaching position, he chose to put those talks on hold in order to prioritize the USSF interview. Berhalter explained to the Mexican side, “I understand that we have ongoing discussions, but I have to proceed with this opportunity. I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t give myself this chance.”
Berhalter was first recruited in December 2018 following the United States’ disappointing failure to qualify for the World Cup that year. Under his leadership, the American team advanced to the second round in Qatar last year, only to be defeated 3-1 by the Netherlands. Discussions were underway regarding a potential new contract for Berhalter, but those talks came to a halt when the Reyna family brought to the attention of the USSF an allegation of domestic violence from three decades ago involving Berhalter and the woman who would eventually become his wife.
Following the expiration of Berhalter’s contract on December 31, Anthony Hudson, one of his assistants, was appointed as the interim coach on January 4. This decision was made by the USSF after they announced the hiring of the law firm Alston and Bird to conduct an investigation. On March 13, the firm released a report stating that while Berhalter’s behavior “likely constituted the misdemeanor crime of assault on a female,” he did not withhold any pertinent information during the hiring process.
USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone, accompanied by Berhalter, Crocker, and CEO JT Batson during a press conference in Las Vegas, emphasized the organization’s commitment to taking domestic violence accusations seriously. Cone stated that there was an independent investigation conducted, and they trust the findings, offering their full support to Gregg Berhalter.
In April, Crocker was appointed to succeed Earnie Stewart and went through an extensive evaluation process, considering numerous candidates before recommending the continuation of Berhalter’s leadership.
Crocker expressed that although it may appear that there was a period of stagnation, sometimes it is necessary to take time for reflection and moving forward. This statement reflects the belief that introspection and planning are crucial for progress.
Berhalter’s contract received approval from the USSF board on Thursday night, indicating their support for him. However, one board member did not vote in favor of the contract. Discussions have already taken place to address this board member’s concerns regarding the promotion of a vibrant and diverse coaching staff in the future, showing a commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Berhalter will not be coaching the American team until September, as his contract approval comes ahead of the upcoming coaching responsibilities. Hudson resigned on May 30 to assume the position of coach for Qatar’s Al-Markhiya, and B.J. Callaghan, another assistant under Berhalter, replaced him. Under Callaghan’s guidance, the team achieved a notable 3-0 victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League, which took place on Thursday night.
“I believe last night’s match demonstrated that we haven’t missed a beat,” stated Parlow Cone, highlighting the team’s performance. Callaghan will serve as the coach for the upcoming game against Canada in the final and throughout the CONCACAF Gold Cup, while Berhalter will join the team on the bench in September.
“We have some significant strategic matters to address over the next few seasons, and that will be our immediate focus,” commented Crocker, emphasizing the importance of mapping out future plans.
Berhalter does not have plans to meet with the players this week, but expressed his desire to reunite with them and share a meal together. He acknowledged the need to repair his relationship with midfielder Gio Reyna, the son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna and midfielder Danielle Egan. Berhalter had almost sent Gio home from Qatar due to a lack of effort in training and later discussed the issues with him during a management conference after the World Cup. Although not explicitly naming Gio, the context made it clear who Berhalter was referring to.
“If we can tap into his talents, he will be a game-changer for this program,” Berhalter acknowledged. “There is work to be done, and part of it involves collaborating with Matt to rebuild the relationship that we know is crucial moving forward.”
Berhalter expressed his excitement about leading the team to great heights in the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host. Reflecting on the disappointment of losing to the Netherlands in Qatar, he saw the hunger and determination in the players’ faces. This experience fueled his motivation to think about the potential development of the team in the next three years. He envisioned the limitless possibilities if the group continues to progress as they have, highlighting their growth as individuals and as a team since he began coaching them in 2018.
