Former US men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter is returning to Major League Soccer, taking on the dual role of head coach and director of football for the Chicago Fire. Berhalter, who previously led the Columbus Crew to success, will begin his new position after the 2024 MLS season concludes.
Mikey Varas has been appointed as the interim coach for the USA national team for upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand. This comes as negotiations with Mauricio Pochettino for the permanent head coaching role continue. Varas, a former assistant under Gregg Berhalter, has selected a 24-man roster that includes several new faces and notable absentees due to injury or club commitments.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to join the United States men’s national team in September, potentially starting with a friendly against Canada. Mikey Vargas, former U-20 head coach, has been named interim manager while Pochettino finalizes his role and resolves a severance package from Chelsea.
Patrick Vieira, former Arsenal and France midfielder, has left his position as coach of Strasbourg, making him a potential successor to Gregg Berhalter as the US men’s national team coach. Vieira’s departure comes less than a month before the start of the Ligue 1 season, raising speculation about his next move. Berhalter was dismissed following the US team’s disappointing Copa America performance.
US Men’s National Team coach Gregg Berhalter has insisted he is the right man to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup despite a disastrous Copa America performance that saw the host nation eliminated in the group stage. However, former players and analysts have criticized Berhalter’s leadership and called for his replacement, arguing that his tenure has not brought the desired progress and a new voice is needed to capitalize on the opportunity of hosting the World Cup.
The US Men’s National Team is using the Copa America as a crucial preparation for the 2026 World Cup, seeing it as a final test against strong competition before hosting the global event on home soil. The tournament provides a platform for players to build chemistry and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup, with a key focus on players who will be part of the 2026 roster.
