The U.S. men’s national soccer team has been a huge disappointment, especially when compared to the women’s team.
Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as U.S. men’s national team coach came to an end after the team suffered an early exit from the 2024 Copa America with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay in the final group game, but the manager’s firing, despite fans’ wishes, left the team in a precarious position.
The United States is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 along with Canada and Mexico, meaning the U.S. national team will automatically qualify for the biggest soccer tournament in the world. But the team has a lot of work to do in the two years leading up to the tournament.
First and foremost, the USMNT need a new manager, with former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp emerging as a possible candidate, with Jesse Marsch and Herve Renard also being mentioned as possible successors.
Sporting News is covering the latest news and rumors surrounding the U.S. Men’s National Team coaching search in the aftermath of the disappointing Copa America.
MORE: Who should replace Gregg Berhalter on the U.S. men’s national team?
USMNT Head Coach Rumors Tracker
Klopp turns down USMNT offer
But it didn’t last long. The United States national team expressed interest in appointing Klopp as their next manager, but he “politely declined” the opportunity. Klopp maintained he wanted to take some time off from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Klopp is US national team’s ‘top target’
The Americans need a manager who can bring about dramatic change to a team that has been performing disgracefully in major world competitions, and reports suggest the club believes Klopp can be that man.
Klopp retired from his job as manager at Premier League club Liverpool earlier this year after nearly a decade, and the United States is looking to bring him across the Atlantic to take charge of the national team.
Hugo Pérez doesn’t want a USMNT position… yet
Former U.S. men’s national team player Hugo Perez was considered one of the leading candidates to replace Berhalter before he was officially fired, but Perez responded to a post on X by Sporting News’ Kyle Vonn saying he’s not currently looking for a replacement.
Pérez said he would consider the role after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
