- Copa America. Calls for Berhalter to step down from USMNT are growing: here are possible candidates to replace him
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The US Men's National Team (USMNT) faced a significant setback on Monday after exiting the Copa America at the group stage after disappointing performances.
US Soccer set for review Berhalter's leadership
This tournament was supposed to be a showcase of the team's progress, especially with the United States set to host the 2026 World Cup.
Instead, it highlighted several shortcomings and left many fans calling for change.
The USMNT's journey in Copa America began with high hopes, given a favorable draw that pitted them against Panama and Bolivia.
However, an embarrassing loss to Panama followed by a lackluster performance against Uruguay resulted in an early exit.
Matt Crocker, the Sporting Director of US Soccer, issued a statement addressing the disappointing results and outlining the federation's next steps.
"Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better,"Crocker said.
"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."
The US Soccer talent pool is arguably the strongest it has ever been, yet the results have not matched the potential.
This raises questions about whether a new leadership approach is needed.
The 2026 World Cup, to be held on home soil, brings heightened expectations, and the federation must decide if Berhalter is the right person to lead the team.
USMNT not performing as expected under Berhalter
The defeat to Uruguay, a narrow 1-0 loss, marked the first time a host nation failed to advance to the knockout stages of Copa America.
In the aftermath, chants of "Fire Gregg" resonated throughout Arrowhead Stadium, reflecting the fans' frustration with the manager.
In a post-match press conference, Berhalter acknowledged the need for a thorough review of the team's performance but clarified that the decision on his future lies with others.
"There will be a review of the performance at the tournament and what needs to change going forward, but it's not my decision if I'm around for the review,"Berhalter stated.
Despite the recent failures on the field, Berhalter maintains from key players, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, who have expressed their respect and iration for him.
However, the lack of progress in the team's performance is a growing concern.
If a change is deemed necessary, U.S. Soccer has several potential candidates to consider.
From high-profile international names like Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp to domestic options like Philadelphia Union's Jim Curtin, LAFC's Steve Cherundolo, and Columbus Crew's Wilfried Nancy, the search for a new coach could significantly impact the future trajectory of American soccer.