Berhalter returns as USMNT coach through 2026

Gregg Berhalter is once again manager of the United States men’s national team, the U.S. Soccer Federation formally announced on Friday, with the coach signing a new contract through the 2026 World Cup.

The announcement caps a tumultuous six-month period for Berhalter and the federation.

After leading the U.S. to a round-of-16 finish at the 2022 World Cup, and compiling a record of 37-11-12 since taking over in 2019, Berhalter was in the process of re-signing with the USSF.

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But the disclosure of a 1992 domestic violence incident by the mother of U.S. midfielder Giovanni Reyna, one involving Berhalter’s wife Rosalind, halted those discussions.

The disclosure of the incident was made after Berhalter, speaking at a leadership conference, alluded to a player at the World Cup — later identified as Reyna — who was almost sent home for responding poorly to a reduced role.

A subsequent investigation by the USSF resulted in the federation being satisfied by the Berhalters’ version of events, and the restorative steps taken by Gregg Berhalter, enabling him to still be a candidate to resume his role as manager.

Amid all of this, USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart resigned, forcing the federation to find a successor before a new manager could be named.

Former Southampton director of football Matt Crocker was hired in April, and he soon set about searching for a manager to lead the USMNT forward.

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, who had played and managed in the U.S., was thought to be the frontrunner, and Crocker reportedly interviewed 10 candidates for the post.

But ultimately, the search led the USSF back to Berhalter, with the support of U.S. players — including Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic — laying the groundwork for his return.

Berhalter was named manager of the USMNT back in late 2018 following a five-year spell with MLS side the Columbus Crew. Previously he managed Swedish top-flight side Hammarby from 2011-13.

As a player, Berhalter’s career spanned 17 years, with most of it spent in Europe. He played in the Netherlands for PEC Zwolle, Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur Leeuwarden before spending a solitary season with English side Crystal Palace in 2011-12.

He then moved to Germany, playing for Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich before finishing his career in MLS with the LA Galaxy.

At international level, Berhalter made 44 appearances for the U.S. and was part of the squads that played at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.