Berhalter returns as USMNT head coach

U.S. Soccer's search for a new head coach has led it back to square one.

Gregg Berhalter, who helped the U.S. men's national team reach the round of 16 in Qatar, is returning to the bench to lead the program to the 2026 World Cup.

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said Friday the federation conducted a "worldwide search" using "sophisticated metrics and cutting-edge hiring methods" before deciding to reappoint Berhalter.

B.J. Callaghan, who's currently overseeing the national team as interim head coach, will continue to lead the U.S. in the Nations League and the upcoming Gold Cup.

"When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026," Crocker said in a statement. "Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward.

"Appointing the right head coach for a national team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer's identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him."

U.S. Soccer allowed Berhalter's contract to expire in December after the parents of midfielder Gio Reyna made the organization aware of a decades-old allegation of domestic violence involving Berhalter and his wife. Berhalter admitted to kicking his now-wife Rosalind in 1992 when he was 18 and said he sought counseling voluntarily.

The incident wasn't reported to police at the time.

An independent investigation cleared Berhalter of withholding information and allowed him to remain a candidate for the job. He wasn't at risk of prosecution because the statute of limitations had passed.

Investigators said the Reyna family brought the incident to light after taking issue with Gio's playing time at the World Cup.

Berhalter and his staff said they nearly sent Reyna home from Qatar because of what they perceived as a lack of effort in training. Berhalter ended up keeping Reyna as a part of the squad but limited him to a bench role.

Anthony Hudson, one of Berhalter's former assistants, took over as interim head coach in January before quitting the role in May and handing the reigns to Callaghan.

Berhalter retained support from some of the U.S.'s most popular players, including winger Christian Pulisic, who in March described the controversy as "extremely childish" and something that happens in "youth soccer."

Reyna returned to the squad while Hudson was in charge and started Thursday's Nations League semifinal win over Mexico.

Pulisic gave extra backing to Berhalter's return to the USMNT fold following the victory.

"Today's (win) is a testament of the work that he's put into this team," the Chelsea player said. "It's a testament to him and a testament to this team the way that we just continued and put on performances like that."