The Race for the USMNT Head Coach: Who Will Lead the Stars of 2026?

After Gregg Berhalter's dismissal, the United States men's national team is on the hunt for a new coach. With the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., the pressure is on to find a "serial winner." Several candidates have emerged, both domestically and internationally, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Follow along for the latest updates, in-depth reporting, and insights from FOX Sports insider Doug McIntyre.

In the wake of the USMNT's disappointing elimination from the 2024 Copa América, Gregg Berhalter's six-year tenure as head coach came to an abrupt end. The search for his successor has been met with a flurry of speculation, with numerous candidates popping up both within the United States and abroad.

U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker has stated his intention to appoint a "serial winner" to lead the young and talented group of players expected to shine in 2026. The target is to have someone in place by the time the U.S. plays its next set of international friendlies in September.

One of the leading domestic candidates is LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo. The 45-year-old former USMNT defender has impressed in his time with LAFC, winning an MLS Cup title in 2022 and reaching multiple cup finals.

Among the international candidates, a figure of great interest is former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine is known for his attacking style of play and reputation for developing young players. He is also reportedly a leading candidate for the England national team job.

Another potential target is ex-England manager Gareth Southgate. Southgate has led England to back-to-back European Championship runner-up finishes and a semifinal appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His conservative play style has been polarizing, but he has changed the culture of the England team.

Patrick Vieira, who recently departed his role as manager of French club Strasbourg, is also in negotiations with U.S. Soccer. Vieira had previously managed Crystal Palace, Nice, and New York City FC.

The appointment of a new coach will have a significant impact on the direction of the USMNT. Each candidate brings their own philosophy and approach, which will shape the team's playing style and tactics.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the U.S. needs to find a coach who can galvanize the young players, develop a winning mentality, and bring home a title on home soil. The stakes are high, and the decision will be one of the most crucial in the history of the USMNT.