Two days after the United States men’s national team failed to advance to the knockout stage of the 2024 Copa America, the program’s largest supporters’ group, the American Outlaws, has called for a new head coach.
The tournament is being held on home soil, with Gregg Berhalter and his players publicly stating their goal not only to advance from their group but also to reach the semi-finals or beyond.
“There needs to be accountability and a plan to move forward for the USMNT,” the American Outlaws wrote in a statement on Wednesday morning. “It’s time to make a change in the head coaching position.
“Our Copa America is over too soon. It was a moment to show progress for the USMNT’s aspirations, create thousands of lifelong new fans, and build energy ahead of the World Cup in communities nationwide. We will always passionately support the players and can see this team’s full potential.”
The Outlaws’ statement comes a day after another call for a coaching change from another major supporters group, Barra 76, who were founded in 2019 with an aim to “be loud in the stands and push our players on the field”.
“We, Barra 76, are deeply concerned with the current state of our national team under Gregg Berhalter,” their statement opened. “Despite our unwavering support and dedication to U.S. soccer, we have witnessed countless disappointing performances and a lack of progress that falls short of our expectations and potential. The inability to motivate and develop the team has left us questioning its direction.”
Some U.S. fans have called for a new head coach (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Berhalter initially guided the USMNT from 2018 until their exit in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Following an extensive search, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) reappointed the 50-year-old in 2023, affirming their confidence that he is the right person to lead the program into the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, despite a once-youthful player base maturing at their clubs, the team’s failure to demonstrate on-field improvement raised concerns. Their inability to progress from Group C, coupled with the sight of CONCACAF rival Panama finishing second in the group, has sparked opposition among a wider segment of the program’s supporters.
“As an organization, we have heard from our members and chapter leaders that the USMNT needs change,” the American Outlaws’ statement continued. “American soccer fandom is ready to reach levels we’ve never seen before, but we continue to miss opportunities.
“Change is necessary to prepare to compete at a home World Cup. We cannot miss this incredible chance to create a lasting impact on the game of soccer in this country, and we feel that a new head coach is an important step at this point.”
USSF sporting director Matt Crocker put out an initial statement in the hours following the USMNT’s elimination, but has yet to follow up with a timeline regarding Berhalter’s status and any potentially ensuing coaching search.
“Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations,” Crocker wrote. “We must do better. We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup.”
GO DEEPER
Gregg Berhalter rebuilt the USMNT. Will he be the one to lead them in 2026?
(Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
