Tag: CONCACAF Nations League

CONCACAF denies USMNT appeal of McKennie red card

McKennie will miss Sunday’s final against Canada

CONCACAF has denied U.S. Soccer’s appeal of Weston McKennie’s red card in Thursday’s Nations League semifinal win against Mexico.

As a result, McKennie’s one-game suspension was upheld and he will miss Sunday’s final against Canada.

McKennie was sent off in the 71st minute after a melee that was sparked by César Montes kicking out at Folarin Balogun.

The USMNT midfielder jumped to Balogun’s defense, appearing to put his arm on Jorge Sánchez’s neck and shove the defender during the brawl.

After players were eventually separated, both McKennie and Montes were shown straight red cards. McKennie would memorably walk away from the brawl with a ripped shirt, repeatedly kissing the U.S. Soccer crest.

The ill-tempered affair would end with nine players per side after two more red cards later in the match, which the USMNT easily won 3-0.

While Sergiño Dest’s red card later in the match was clear as day, the USMNT hoped that McKennie’s red for violent conduct could be overturned.

But upon review, CONCACAF upheld the red for McKennie.

“Following its 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match versus Mexico on June 15, 2023, the U.S. Soccer Federation submitted to CONCACAF a protest for the direct red card issued to Weston McKennie,” a CONCACAF statement read.

“In line with the Confederation’s direct red card appeals system, a three-member CONCACAF Independent Review Panel was appointed and considered the matter.

“After a thorough review, including consideration of the video of the on-field decision and evidence presented by the US Soccer Federation, the CONCACAF Independent Review Panel has decided to uphold the on-field decision of a direct red card. The player in question must serve an automatic one-match suspension.

“The decision rendered by the three-member CONCACAF Independent Panel is final and is not subject to further appeal.”

[lawrence-related id=21806,21797,21792]

The Chant won’t end until Mexico is handed a real punishment

The time for fines, statements, and games behind closed doors is over. 

CONCACAF’s Twitter account tells the tale of the ugliness that was Thursday night’s Nations League semifinal between the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico.

A few hours before kickoff, the confederation sent out a link spotlighting its “highly impactful” What’s Wrong is Wrong anti-discrimination campaign.

Next, a video of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa imploring his team’s fans to refrain from using “the chant” during the game.

But those two posts were closely followed by a statement from after the match, which was titled: “Discriminatory chants during CNL Semifinal.”

It was, essentially, an admission of defeat.

CONCACAF strongly condemns the discriminatory chanting by some fans during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Semifinal match between Mexico and the United States.

Chants heard during the game led to the activation of the anti-discrimination protocol by the match officials. Additionally, security staff ejected several fans for engaging in unacceptable behavior in the stadium.

These incidents were extremely disappointing and tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high quality football in our region.

The Confederation is in the process of urgently establishing further details and reports from security and match officials and will make a further statement in short order.

Referee Iván Barton failed his task on the night, opting to not utilize CONCACAF and FIFA’s Three-Step Procedure on many instances when the chant — widely considered to be a homophobic slur — was clearly audible. That gave some Mexico fans the permission they needed to use the chant with impunity.

Barton ended the game, a 3-0 U.S. win, four minutes early after another instance of the chant. Bizarrely, CONCACAF said after the match that the referee did not end the game early because of the chant. But why else would he have ended the match with four minutes left in stoppage time?

It served as another way of removing the blame from the offending fans.

(AP Photo/John Locher)

But beyond the events of any single match lies this simple truth: CONCACAF and FIFA have completely failed to eradicate the chant thus far. It’s painfully clear that the fines levied against Mexico’s federation, and even home games forced to be played behind closed doors, have not been sufficient punishments.

It appears that the next step is now the only option: Mexico getting hit with points deductions or being forced to forfeit matches.

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner, the target of many of the chants during his punts and goal kicks, pleaded with fans to stop at various points of the game.

It didn’t work.

“You could tell it’s coming,” Turner told reporters in quotes published on Yahoo Sports. “And it’s distracting. It goes against everything that we stand for on our side.

“We’ve been very vocal and open about the strength of our team being our diversity, the strength of our nation being its diversity. So, to use something so divisive during a game, a spirited game — and maybe the play sort of set the flares off in the stands, but it has no place in the game.”

USMNT coach B.J. Callaghan added: “In terms of the chant, I want to make it very clear first and foremost for our beliefs and our culture, it has no place in the game. And so that’s something that we’ve stood against before and will continue to stand against.”

But there seems to be nothing anybody, either from CONCACAF, FIFA, the USMNT or Mexico, can say to make a vocal subset of fans stop. The time for fines, statements, and games behind closed doors is over. Fans might only respond when their actions directly result in El Tri losing games.

[lawrence-related id=21792,21782,2868]

Callaghan ‘couldn’t be more proud’ of USMNT after dominant, wild win over Mexico

Eyes on the prize for Callaghan, USMNT

The CONCACAF Nations League semifinal between the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico got hairy, but for B.J. Callaghan at least, it’s also the source of plenty of pride.

The USMNT steamrolled a truly hapless El Tri, winning 3-0 in Las Vegas to advance to Sunday’s Nations League final against Canada.

Amid a chaotic atmosphere that saw referee Iván Barton hand out four red cards and nine more yellows, and on a night that saw The Athletic report that Gregg Berhalter will return as the team’s head coach during the game, Callaghan told reporters after the match that he was delighted with what the group delivered

“I couldn’t be more proud of the performance that our guys put in tonight,” stated Callaghan. “The support that we have, in our culture, gives all of us a nice sense of calm and understanding that we go through our processes to prepare each time to play match. And again, I can’t be more proud of the performance that those guys put in today.”

‘Next man up’ key in looking ahead to final

Callaghan fielded several questions about the acrimonious nature of the game, which devolved in the second half and finished with both teams down to nine men. From the interim USMNT manager, it was no real surprise.

“These are rivalry games, these are derby games, things like this happen across across the world,” said Callaghan. “What happened [tonight], it comes from a good place. They care about each other so much in that locker room that they’re standing up for each other. Sometimes, does it have an issue where we take a red card? Yeah, but when you know where it comes from, you can accept it.”

For Callaghan there is something instructional to take away from losing Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest to red cards, but it’s also an opportunity for the rest of the squad to come through for the group.

“It’s a learning lesson for us. Because now we’re gonna go play in the final [without Dest and McKennie], but it’s also something that we preach: next man up,” explained Callaghan. “I think the game is always at high intensity. High-stakes games, knockout games, you’re gonna see emotions, always. I think there were moments from both teams that we could have handled better.”

The bottom line for Callaghan — who declined to comment at length about the refereeing or to declare his team the new “kings of CONCACAF” — was to stay extremely process-oriented. On that front, in a game where the USMNT created several big chances while holding Mexico to a shocking one shot on goal (and only five total attempts), he had nothing but positive things to say.

“In terms of the feeling, the feeling within the group is that we’re very satisfied with the performance that we put on tonight.”

[lawrence-related id=21782,21768,21571]

It’s official: This USMNT owns Mexico

The U.S. overwhelmed Mexico in the Nations League, stretching its unbeaten streak against its biggest rival to six

The rivalry between the U.S. men’s national team and Mexico has gone though many stages over the years, but it’s never been more lopsided in favor of the Stars and Stripes than it is at this very moment.

The USMNT overwhelmed Mexico on Thursday night in Las Vegas, defeating an awful El Tri 3-0 in a heated CONCACAF Nations League semifinal.

It was the sixth straight game without defeat for the USMNT against Mexico, equaling the longest streak in program history. Right now, it’s hard to see where Mexico’s next win against its biggest rival is going to come from.

New coach Diego Cocca has not been able to inspire his side to any kind of improvement over its listless 2022 under Tata Martino, which concluded with its first World Cup group-stage exit since 1978.

The gap in talent between the teams is massive, and even USMNT interim coach B.J. Callaghan — in his first game no less — outcoached Cocca in a humbling night for Mexico in front of a crowd full of its own fans.

Christian Pulisic was the star for the USMNT, scoring a pair of goals, but up and down the field the Americans won individual and team battles against their biggest rival.

The (for now) Chelsea winger should have opened the scoring on 23 minutes, but blazed an easy chance well over after doing brilliantly to beat Mexico’s defense and dribble around Guillermo Ochoa.

No matter. He would find the opener 15 minutes later off a broken play in the box. It was no less than the USMNT deserved.

It would get worse for Mexico — much worse.

Pulisic grabbed his brace just after the second half started, as the USMNT shredded an inadequate Mexico press with ease before Tim Weah found his streaking teammate for a tap-in on the doorstep.

The U.S. confidence was in full flow, from a cheeky but unnecessary flicked pass from Pulisic after his second goal, to Gio Reyna pumping up the crowd WWE-style after drawing a foul on 60 minutes.

Then there was the indelible moment Weston McKennie produced after a brawl that was kicked off by Cesar Montes getting a straight red card for kicking Folarin Balogun in frustration.

Ricardo Pepi would come off the bench to add a third, making the 3-0 win the largest margin of victory the USMNT has ever had in a competitive game against Mexico.

For the USMNT, the only blight on the evening was red cards to McKennie and Sergiño Dest, who both got caught up in the general CONCACAFery that was on display in a match that ended with nine players per side.

For Mexico, the entire game was a blight on the program: from the performance, to the red cards, to the countless times its fans engaged in “the chant,” which eventually saw referee Iván Barton end the game early.

The USMNT will move on to face Canada in Sunday’s final. For Mexico, the recriminations will continue. It’s hard to see how Cocca can last much longer after this, but Thursday’s game made it painfully clear: the USMNT is just much better than Mexico in every aspect right now.

[lawrence-related id=21571,21468,21686]

USMNT and Mexico renew rivalry in Nations League semifinal showdown

The rivals will meet in Las Vegas with a spot in the Nations League final up for grabs

The U.S. men’s national team will take on Mexico on Thursday night in a high-profile CONCACAF Nations League semifinal in Las Vegas.

Mexico will be aiming to snap a five-game winless run against its biggest rival, which is hoping to defend its Nations League and Gold Cup titles this summer.

The match will be headlined by newcomers: Diego Cocca was hired as Mexico manager in February, while B.J. Callaghan took over as the USMNT’s second interim manager of 2023 in May after Anthony Hudson’s departure. This will be his first game in charge.

The game will also likely see the USMNT debut of one of the nation’s biggest hopes heading to the 2026 World Cup: Folarin Balogun, who chose his birth country over England and Nigeria last month in a major victory for U.S. Soccer.

The winner between the USMNT and Mexico advances to face either Canada or Panama on Sunday in the final, with the loser heading to the third-place game earlier on Sunday.

How to watch USMNT vs. Mexico

Date: Thursday, June 15

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Location: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas. Nevada

TV/Streaming: Paramount+ in English, Univision in Spanish

USMNT unbeaten streak vs. Mexico

The USMNT has not lost any of its past five matches against El Tri, including wins in World Cup qualifying, the Gold Cup final and Nations League final.

It’s the second-longest unbeaten run against Mexico in team history behind only a six-match streak from 2011 to 2015.

What they said

Folarin Balogun

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, not just for me, but for the team. Mexico and the U.S. have a big rivalry, so I’m looking forward to it. There will be no better way to introduce myself than playing against big opposition.

“I’ve spoken to the boys and they’ve explained to me the backstory and recent results, and they explained how big an occasion this is.”

Christian Pulisic

“When we play Mexico, we’re always excited. It’s obviously been a rival of ours, and it’s going to be a big challenge and a great game. They’re a top opponent. We’re just going to prepare like we do for any other game, which is the top level of preparation.”

Ricardo Pepi

“My family is Mexican, of course. So now being in this game is going be special for me and for my family. It’s a big game for everyone across the Pepi family. I’m just super excited to be in the game, super proud to be in the game as well.

“Ever since I made my move to the U.S. [my family] has always been for the U.S. and even my family in Mexico, they’re always supporting me. … For this game, they’re going for the U.S.”

Matt Turner

“It’s always a special game when the U.S. gets to play against Mexico. This will only be my second time ever playing against Mexico, so I really look forward to that competition and that challenge. It’s a great rivalry, it still has sparks, and obviously you see a tremendous amount of respect on both sides as well.”

Walker Zimmerman

“We obviously have a lot of memories going up against them. And the way that we approach this game is, ‘Hey, they’re just in our way of getting another trophy.’

“[We don’t want] to overhype it too much. We know that the intensity will be there because it’s a semifinal and that’s what it takes — it’s a knockout game. And that’s just the opponent in our way.”

USMNT roster (club; caps/goals)

Goalkeepers (3): Drake Callender (Inter Miami; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC; 12/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal; 26/0)

Defenders (7): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan; 24/2), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace; 8/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham; 34/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 21/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City; 1/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 39/3)

Midfielders (6): Johnny Cardoso (Internacional; 6/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo; 14/0), Weston McKennie (Leeds United; 43/11), Yunus Musah (Valencia; 25/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund; 18/4), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez; 2/0)

Forwards (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United; 30/7), Folarin Balogun (Stade Reims; 0/0), Taylor Booth (FC Utrecht; 2/0), Ricardo Pepi (FC Groningen; 14/6), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea; 58/23), Tim Weah (Lille; 29/4), Alex Zendejas (Club América; 3/1)

Mexico roster (club; caps/goals)

Goalkeepers (3): Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna; 6/0), Luis Malagön (Club América; 2/0), Guillermo Ochoa (Salernitana/ITA; 135/0)

Defenders (8): Julián Araujo (Barcelona B/ESP; 6/0), Gerardo Arteaga (Genk/BEL; 18/1), Jesús Gallardo (Monterrey; 84/1), Victor Guzmán (Monterrey; 2/0), César Montes (Espanyol/ESP; 34/1), Israel Reyes (Club América; 7/2), Jorge Sánchez (Ajax/NED; 30/1), Johan Vásquez (Cremonese/ITA; 8/1)

Midfielders (6): Edson Álvarez (Ajax/NED; 61/3), Luis Chávez (Pachuca; 16/1),  Sebastián Córdova (Tigres UANL; 14/3), Oberlín Pineda (AEK Athens/GRE; 52/7), Luis Romo (Monterrey; 29/1), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul; 42/0)

Forwards (4): Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul; 43/10), Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord/NED; 10/2), Ozziel Herrera (Atlas; 3/0), Henry Martín (Club América; 31/7), Érick Sánchez (Pachuca; 12/1), Alexis Vega (Guadalajara; 26/6)

[lawrence-related id=21469,21468,21188]

USMNT confirms final 23-man Nations League roster

Interim USMNT coach B.J. Callaghan has selected his 23-man squad for the Nations League finals

The U.S. men’s national team has confirmed its official 23-man roster for the CONCACAF Nations League.

Interim head coach B.J. Callaghan announced a 24-player training camp roster last week ahead of a semifinal against Mexico on June 15 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Josh Cohen, who was one of three uncapped players on the training camp roster announcement, is not on the 23-man roster, though he would be added if any of the three goalkeepers ahead of him get injured.

Matt Turner, Drake Callender and Sean Johnson are the three USMNT goalkeepers, with Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath out injured.

Cohen, 30, is set to become a free agent after a successful stint in Israel with Maccabi Haifa, which included six appearances in the Champions League group stage this season.

USMNT Nations League roster

[lawrence-related id=21171,20929,6412]

USMNT using Nations League, Gold Cup to ‘pressure test’ player pool

Callaghan is focused on creating “a wide, deep player pool” for the 2026 World Cup

The U.S. men’s national team is facing a busy summer, and it sounds like fans should expect a lot of players being tested.

Interim head coach B.J. Callaghan said as much on Thursday, repeatedly emphasizing that one of his major objectives in the coming months is to expand and deepen the player pool with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.

“The main objective that we were trying to accomplish here with the Nations League and looking to the Gold Cup, is how we can expose the most amount of players in our player pool,” Callaghan told reporters in a press conference shortly after releasing his CONCACAF Nations League roster.

While the Nations League squad includes some USMNT stalwarts like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson, there are also three uncapped players (Folarin Balogun, Drake Callender, and Josh Cohen) and four more with three or fewer caps.

The newly-appointed coach noted that in the absence of World Cup qualifying, it will be vital “to make them battle-tested in knockout type of games, tournament group play type of games.”

“It’s two big tournaments for us,” said Callaghan. “An important piece for us [is] to use as many players as possible, to make sure that as we continue on this journey to the 2026 World Cup, these big moments that come across, we have the most experienced player pool as possible.”

Callaghan: ‘Pressure testing’ key

Callaghan made it clear that the focus in the coming months will include identifying new contributors and helping youth national team players take the next step up the ladder.

“It’s the same reason that Mikey Varas is down with the U-20 group, that is a really strong group and doing a lot and having a lot of success,” said Callaghan. “It’s our responsibility to have as many players exposed to high-level, knockout stage, group stage type of environments. That’s going to extend beyond the Gold Cup as well, when we look into 2024 and 2025, when you’re looking at the Olympics and you’re looking at Copa America and all of these tournaments.”

For the 41-year-old, making sure the team is ready for high-pressure environments — especially as the schedule will lack the cauldron that is qualifying in CONCACAF — is an imperative. That means both from the angle of analyzing individual players, and in terms of readying a robust internal culture for a World Cup in just over three years’ time.

“You’re pressure testing your on-field ability, you’re pressure testing each individual’s ability to handle the pressure, and you’re also pressure testing the culture, right?” explained Callaghan. “That’s what holds everything together and allows you to be successful.”

“We don’t know what the 2026 player pool is going to look like,” said Callaghan. “This is what we’re dealing with in the short term, but it’s a much broader picture of how we can prepare a wide, deep player pool for competition as we prepare for 2026.”

[lawrence-related id=20964,20915,20704]

Callaghan eyes Balogun-Pepi battle for USMNT striker role

Despite huge expectations, nothing will be handed to the newest member of the USMNT

New U.S. men’s national team head coach B.J. Callaghan has said he’s looking forward to watching Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi compete for the No. 9 role in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Balogun and Pepi were the only true strikers named to the 24-man initial roster on Thursday, with the U.S. set for a semifinal against Mexico on June 15 and a potential final three days later against either Canada or Panama.

It was the first USMNT call-up for Balogun, who officially committed to the U.S. in mid-May. Pepi, meanwhile, overcame a World Cup roster snub and tough start to his Augsburg career to have a strong campaign on loan at Groningen. The 20-year-old scored three goals in two games in his USMNT return in March.

Callaghan, who took over as interim coach from Anthony Hudson earlier this week, said that Balogun will have nothing handed to him with the USMNT despite a 20-goal season with Reims in Ligue 1.

“His expectations of himself are as high or higher than the public, but he still has to come in and compete,” Callaghan told the media on a conference call.

“Ricardo Pepi is a guy who’s coming off a great season and has scored big goals for us already. It’s going to be fun to watch these guys compete. As professional athletes and guys that want to make an impression on the U.S. men’s national team, that’s what you want. You want competition, and I expect this to be a great camp for both of them.”

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Ahead of Balogun’s first camp, Callaghan said that he challenged the 21-year-old forward to integrate himself into the group as quickly as possible.

“He’s excited to come in with the group. He’s someone that I spoke to about embracing the brotherhood that we have,” Callaghan said. “It’s a welcoming environment, the guys are going to welcome him in. They’re all excited and he’s excited.

“But at the same time, I challenged him. I said, ‘Listen, you have to put yourself out there, and you have to integrate with the group. We’re going to work as hard as we can to integrate you and at the same time, it’s your responsibility on the field and off the field to to become part of this group as quick as we can.’

“We have a lot of case studies of guys that have come in and been super successful, and I expect nothing different with Flo.”

[lawrence-related id=20915,20929,20682]

Balogun leads USMNT CONCACAF Nations League roster

The Balogun Era has officially begun for the USMNT

At long last, Folarin Balogun is on a U.S. men’s national team roster.

The USMNT’s new interim head coach B.J. Callaghan announced a 24-player squad on Thursday ahead of the team’s CONCACAF Nations League matches later this month. The final 23-player roster for the Nations League knockouts is due on June 5.

The USMNT will play Mexico in a semifinal on June 15 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and will have a game on June 18 (whether a final or a third-place game) three days later against either Canada or Panama.

The squad includes a first-ever formal call-up for Balogun, who officially chose the USMNT over England and Nigeria in mid-May after a concerted recruiting attempt from U.S. Soccer. The only mystery over that one solitary cut Callaghan will have to make appears to be in goal, where four players (including uncapped duo Drake Callender and Josh Cohen) are on the initial list.

Several notable players are missing. Team captain Tyler Adams remains out after missing the final weeks of Leeds’ Premier League campaign with a hamstring injury, while a broken arm will keep center back Tim Ream out for all of the USMNT’s summer obligations. Cameron Carter-Vickers underwent successful knee surgery last month and remains out, while Zack Steffen will miss three to four months after undergoing a surgical procedure to his knee as well.

Callaghan noted in remarks to reporters on Thursday that another absentee, Kellyn Acosta, was left off the roster “out of an abundance of caution” over an unspecified injury that kept him out of the first leg of Los Angeles FC’s CONCACAF Champions League final on Wednesday.

USMNT Nations League roster

Goalkeepers (4): Drake Callender (Inter Miami; 0/0), Josh Cohen (Maccabi Haifa; 0/0), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC; 12/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal; 26/0)

Defenders (7): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan; 24/2), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace; 8/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham; 34/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 21/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach; 4/0), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City; 1/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 39/3)

Midfielders (6): Johnny Cardoso (Internacional; 6/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo; 14/0), Weston McKennie (Leeds United; 43/11), Yunus Musah (Valencia; 25/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund; 18/4), Alan Soñora (FC Juárez; 2/0)

Forwards (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United; 30/7), Folarin Balogun (Stade Reims; 0/0), Taylor Booth (FC Utrecht; 2/0), Ricardo Pepi (FC Groningen; 14/6), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea; 58/23), Tim Weah (Lille; 29/4), Alex Zendejas (Club América; 3/1)

[lawrence-related id=20704,20682,20445]

Hudson leaves USMNT on eve of summer tournaments

B.J. Callaghan will step in as the team’s second interim head coach this year

U.S. Soccer has announced that interim U.S. men’s national team head coach Anthony Hudson has left the team for a “new opportunity.”

In Hudson’s place, assistant coach B.J. Callaghan has been elevated to head coach for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup.

“B.J. has been an integral part of the USMNT staff during the last four years as this young team has grown and developed,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in a news release.

“Working alongside Anthony Hudson these last five months, we are confident he is prepared and ready to lead this group in the summer tournaments. We are grateful to Anthony for the tremendous job he did and wish him success in the future.”

Hudson coached the U.S. U-20s and served as a USMNT assistant before being appointed interim head coach this year after Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired. With Callaghan in place as the team’s second interim this year, the search for a permanent head coach will continue.

Hudson’s time as USMNT coach was highlighted by the capture of two prized dual nationals in Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun.

“I would like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be part of such a great team of players and staff,” Hudson said. “It’s been an honor to represent the national team and one that I have truly valued and enjoyed. The group is in good hands with B.J., and I’m excited to watch and support the team as it continues to grow and reach the heights we all know they are capable of.”

Callaghan, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2019, is currently the longest-serving member of the USMNT technical staff. He initially served as the team’s strategy analyst before being promoted to assistant coach.

“I understand the responsibility of the job and am honored to have the opportunity to build upon the progress this group has made the last four years,” Callaghan said. “Together, we have built a strong culture and a great understanding of how we want to play, and we expect to continue to build on that progress. Our goal is clear: defend both of our CONCACAF titles.”

The USMNT will face Mexico on June 15 in the Nations League semifinal, with the final scheduled for three days later. The U.S. will then kick off the 2023 Gold Cup against Jamaica on June 24.

[lawrence-related id=20662,20445,19844]