US Soccer’s search for Gregg Berhalter’s replacement may be the most important hire in their history. Coming off the back of an embarrassing display on home soil, Berhalter was relieved of his duties. With the World Cup being played at home in 2026, it’s imperative that the USSF get this hire right: another flameout at a major international tournament could do irreversible damage to the potential growth of the game in the country.
Three Potential Replacements for Gregg Berhalter After Embarrassing Copa America
Pellegrino Mattarazzo
Pellegrino Mattarazzo is without a doubt the best available American coach. He’s been managing in the Bundesliga since 2019 and has had some impressive success. He brought Stuttgart back up to the Bundesliga and finished 9th in his first season in top-flight competition. However, he was sacked the following season, during a relegation fight.
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Nevertheless, following that, he took over Hoffenheim and dragged them up to mid-table. They finished in an impressive 7th place last season and will be playing European football in 2024/25. The 46-year-old has no international experience, which may be a deterrent, but Pellegrino is easily the brightest American coaching mind.
Likelihood: 7/10
Herve Renard
Herve Renard is probably the most likely foreign candidate. The Frenchman has had remarkable success, especially in AFCON which he won with Zambia in 2012 and with the Ivory Coast in 2015. He was also the coach of Saudi Arabia when they pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in World Cup history, beating Argentina in the group stage.
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His halftime team talk went viral and clearly fired up the players. Renard could be just the guy that this team needs, to light a fire not just in the players, but in the federation. Furthermore, the current France Women’s national team manager should be very obtainable.
Likelihood: 8/10
Steven Cherundolo
This is easily the most divisive pick here. Steven Cherundolo has had some success with LAFC in the MLS, winning the Cup and Supporter Shield in 2022.
However, managing his first team in 2021, Cherundolo is young, inexperienced, and would feel like a Berhalter retread if he were given the job. The “rising star” seems to be the most likely candidate as of now, which would certainly garner a tumultuous response from the fan base.
Likelihood: 8.5/10
