The U.S. men’s national team’s early exit from the 2024 Copa America has led to serious calls for Gregg Berhalter’s firing as head coach.
Berhalter is only one year into his second stint as head coach, but a group stage exit from this summer’s competition might spell the end of his time in the role. The 50-year-old watched as the USMNT struggled for consistency at the Copa America, losing back-to-back matches against Panama and Uruguay to suffer elimination.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup two years away, U.S. Soccer needs to consider a change in order to get the USMNT ready for an experience of a lifetime.
Here is a closer look at several candidates that U.S. Soccer should consider if they truly decide to part ways with Berhalter:
Jurgen Klopp, Free Agent
The odds of U.S. Soccer having the funds to pay a manager like Klopp are slim, but why not consider him?
Klopp has lifted 13 trophies during his managerial career with both Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. After leaving Liverpool last spring, Klopp has been on the market for the last few months as he ponders what’s next for his career.
The 57-year-old helped Liverpool get back into the limelight of English Football over the past 10 years, winning the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and multiple domestic cups.
A reunion with former Borussia Dortmund player Christian Pulisic would also be a positive for both the USMNT and Klopp.
Klopp has never managed a national team though, and who knows if he wants to go that route.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC
A familiar face to USMNT fans would be LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo.
Cherundolo is in his fourth year of being a head coach, remaining with MLS powerhouse LAFC. After lifting both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022, Cherundolo led LAFC back to the league final in 2023.
The current Western Conference leaders remain a major threat to lift another league title by year’s end, a testament to Cherundolo’s work with the club.
After a 15-year playing career in Germany, Cherundolo worked with Hannover’s youth system before making his move back to North America. He earned 87 caps with the USMNT as a player, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2015.
If U.S. Soccer wants familiarity, Cherundolo would be the safe choice, but again, who knows the route that the federation wants to go.
Patrick Vieira, Strasbourg
Six years after leaving the United States, Patrick Vieira could be an option for the USMNT.
Currently the manager of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, Vieira is in his fourth managerial stint of his career. A former Arsenal and France legend as a player, Vieira has also managed NYCFC, Crystal Palace, and Nice in his career.
The 48-year-old is also more affordable than other coaches on the market, earning close to $3 million a season in France.
However, a career 38% winning percentage in over 290 matches is a tad worrying for a USMNT program wanting to compete against the best in the world.
Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew
Wilfried Nancy is only in his second season as head coach of the Columbus Crew but the 47-year-old is one of the top options in North America.
Nancy led the Crew to an MLS Cup win last season, defeating mighty LAFC 2-1 in the final. The Frenchman has only been a first team manager for four years now, previously working with CF Montreal from 2021-22.
Nancy has helped the Crew become a contender again in MLS, while also making a deep run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season.
Whether or not Nancy wants to make the jump to a major international role remains to be seen, but he certainly should be considered for his positive work in Columbus.
Zinedine Zidane, Free Agent
It’s been three years since Zinedine Zidane has been on the sidelines, but a move to the USMNT could help him get back on the map.
Zidane served as Real Madrid manager on two different spells, leading Los Blancos to seven trophies, In 320 matches as manager of Real Madrid’s first and second teams, Zidane has won over 60% of his matches, proving he has been able to deliver a consistent record.
Like the others on this list, Zidane has never managed on the international level, opening the door to questions. However, the 52-year-old certainly brings plenty of experience to the mix, something that you can’t teach.
