US Soccer Issues Statement On USMNT Future After Disastrous Copa America
The United States soccer program was supposed to be developing a "golden generation" of players ahead of hosting the 2026 World Cup.
The US Men's National Team entered summer 2024 with an opportunity to showcase the progress they've made after bowing out to The Netherlands in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. The Copa America, the second most important tournament in international soccer for the USMNT, was also heading to the United States.
Even better, the US had a favorable draw. Get past Panama and Bolivia and move on to the knockout stages. They couldn't even accomplish that. An embarrassing loss to Panama and disappointing performance against Uruguay sent the US out in the group stage.
READ: USMNT Exits Copa America Early, Ref Snubs Christian Pulisic of Handshake After Sad Loss To Uruguay
There's no other way to say it: this is an embarrassment for US Soccer, for the players, for coach Gregg Berhalter, and for the future of the US Men's National Team. And the head of the organization governing the team and most importantly, its head coach, issued a statement on Tuesday that indirectly addressed what they intend to do moving forward.
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 03: Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach of United States, reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
US Soccer Statement Implies Gregg Berhalter Isn't Long For His Job
The Sporting Director of US Soccer, Matt Crocker, issued a statement late on Monday evening after the USMNT was officially eliminated.
"Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better," Crocker said in the statement. "We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup."
It's vague, to be sure, but there's no other way to read it other than being an indictment on Berhalter's leadership of the team in this cycle. Despite his failings on the field, Berhalter remains popular off of it. Players including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have spoken about their respect and admiration for him.
READ: Christian Pulisic Sounds Anything But Confident About Gregg Berhalter's Future As USMNT Manager
But at some point, results on the field have to matter. And simply, the USMNT has not shown the necessary progress to justify retaining Berhalter heading into 2026. Blame should, and will be, placed on the players as well.
Yet the talent in the US Soccer pool is arguably the highest its ever been. Though they're not having the success they should, given the quality they field. It's time for a new voice in the room, whoever that might be, cause the current one isn't getting the job done. Finally, it seems like US Soccer may agree with that assessment.