Gregg Berhalter Out as USMNT Coach After Lackluster Copa America Performance

Gregg Berhalter has been fired as head coach of the United States men's national team after a disappointing performance at the Copa América, where the team became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage.

Gregg Berhalter's tenure as head coach of the United States men's national team came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, as multiple sources confirmed to FOX Sports that he will no longer lead the team. The news was officially confirmed by U.S. Soccer in a statement.

Berhalter's dismissal comes after a string of poor results, including a dismal performance at the Copa América, where the United States became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage. The team's struggles have extended beyond the Copa América, with disappointing results in the Nations League and a humiliating defeat to Colombia in a pre-Copa exhibition.

Gregg Berhalter Out as USMNT Coach After Lackluster Copa America Performance

Berhalter took over the USMNT in 2018, tasked with rebuilding the team after its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. He led the United States back to soccer's marquee competition, but the team's performance in Qatar was far from impressive, exiting in the round of 16.

Despite winning the Concacaf Nations League title in March, Berhalter's second term has been marred by struggles. The team was nearly eliminated in the Nations League semifinals by Jamaica, lost to Trinidad and Tobago late last year, and was embarrassed at home by Panama in the Copa América.

The Americans were also outclassed by Germany in a friendly loss last October and humiliated in a pre-Copa exhibition against Colombia, losing 5-1 in the program's most lopsided defeat in 13 years.

Needing a win and some help to advance to the Copa América quarterfinals, the U.S. lost to Uruguay on July 1, the first time the country failed to advance from group play at a major tournament since 2007.

Berhalter finishes his U.S. tenure with 44 wins, 15 losses, and 13 ties, holding the highest winning percentage of any permanent USMNT coach. However, his inability to consistently produce results, particularly in big games, ultimately led to his dismissal.

U.S. Soccer is expected to name a new coach before the men play their next match, a friendly against Copa America semifinalist Canada on September 7. Potential candidates include Marcelo Gallardo, Mauricio Pochettino, and former U.S. international Landon Donovan.