Gregg Berhalter has completed a stunning return to his position as U.S. men’s national team head coach.
Following the expiration of his contract at the end of 2022 and a salacious scandal involving Claudio and Danielle Reyna, the chances of Berhalter being reappointed for another cycle looked slim.
But after taking charge of the USMNT from 2018 through the 2022 World Cup, U.S. Soccer has confirmed that Berhalter will return to lead the team through the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Berhalter returns after two of his previous assistants — first Anthony Hudson and now B.J. Callaghan — coached the USMNT in 2023 on an interim basis.
U.S. Soccer said Callaghan will remain in charge through the Nations League final against Canada on Sunday, and the Gold Cup that will run from late June through mid July.
“I want to thank Matt [Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director], and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they’ve placed in me,” said Berhalter.
“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.”
In March, a U.S. Soccer investigation concluded that Berhalter and his wife Rosalind were forthcoming about a 1992 incident of domestic violence that was brought to the federation’s attention by the Reynas — whom the report criticized heavily.
Berhalter, U.S. Soccer concluded, was still a candidate for his old job.
Crocker was hired in April and a number of candidates were linked to the vacant position, with Crocker reportedly interviewing more than 10.
But Berhalter rose to the top of the candidate pool, in part due to the vocal support of some of the USMNT’s top players.
Most notably, the typically reticent Christian Pulisic gave Berhalter a full-throated endorsement while slamming the Reynas during an interview in March.
Brenden Aaronson told Pro Soccer Wire in March: “I think Gregg was amazing for the time that he was here. The record doesn’t lie.”
Matt Turner and Antonee Robinson have also offered their support, while Tim Weah said of Berhalter last week: “Hopefully he comes back.”
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