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Gregg Berhalter
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Gregg Matthew Berhalter (/ˈbɜːrˌhɔːltər/, BUR-hawl-tər;[2] born August 1, 1973) is an American soccer coach and former player. He is the current head coach and director of football for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire, a role he assumed following the end of the 2024 season. From 2018 to 2023 and 2023–24, he was the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team.[3] He is the first person in United States history to participate in the FIFA World Cup as both a player and head coach. His tenure as coach has been noted for the recruitment of a younger player roster.
Key Information
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He originally served in the role from 2018 to 2022; following the expiration of his contract, U.S. Soccer employed interim head coaches before rehiring him to the post on June 16, 2023. His tenure with United States men's national team ended a week after the team's early elimination in the 2024 Copa América group stage, as the team's performance in the tournament they hosted was perceived as a disappointment.[4] Berhalter previously coached Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, Hammarby in Sweden and served as an assistant coach for LA Galaxy.
Playing career
[edit]Early life and education
[edit]Gregg Matthew Berhalter was born on August 1, 1973, in Englewood, New Jersey, and grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey,[5] and was a high school teammate of Claudio Reyna at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey.[6] He played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[6] In 2002, he was ranked as one of the top 50 players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference.[7] In 1993, he spent the collegiate off season playing for the Raleigh Flyers of the USISL.[8] Berhalter is the godson of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame baseball player Carl Yastrzemski.[9]
Professional
[edit]
Berhalter left UNC after his junior year, signing with Dutch club Zwolle in 1994. He later played for Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur in the Netherlands (later they also had U.S.-born executive Alex Pama there), and with Crystal Palace in England (where he briefly played alongside Jovan Kirovski). During his time at Crystal Palace, he scored once against Bradford City.[10]
In 2002, Berhalter signed with Energie Cottbus of the German Bundesliga. He went on to make 111 league appearances with the team, captaining them to a promotion back to the Bundesliga. In 2006, Berhalter signed with 1860 Munich of the 2. Bundesliga, and was named captain of the team. He stayed there for a further two and a half years, making 73 league appearances for Die Löwen.
After a 15-year career in Europe, Berhalter moved back to the United States in April 2009. He signed a contract with Major League Soccer, his first club contract in his home country. He was revealed as a Los Angeles Galaxy player on April 3, 2009.[11] In his first season with the Galaxy, their goals against were cut in half—from 61 to 30—with Berhalter being a leader in defense while mentoring Omar Gonzalez to Rookie of the Year honors.
On November 14, 2009, he scored in the 103rd minute of the scoreless Western Conference final, propelling the Galaxy to a 2–0 win over the Houston Dynamo and into the 2009 MLS Cup. It was his first goal in 28 appearances with the club.[12]
In his second season, the Galaxy won the MLS Supporters Shield and further reduced their goals against to 26 for the season, a Galaxy record.
On October 12, 2011, Berhalter announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2011 MLS season.[13] In 2011, LA Galaxy won both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup in Berhalter's final season.[14]
International
[edit]Berhalter earned his first cap for the U.S. national team on October 15, 1994, against Saudi Arabia.[15] He went on to play at the 1995 Copa América and the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.[7]
Berhalter played a significant role for the U.S. at the 2002 World Cup, stepping in for the injured Jeff Agoos and starting the last two games against Mexico and Germany, and in doing so became the first Crystal Palace player to play in a World Cup match.[15][16]
On May 25, 2006, Berhalter was added to the U.S. national team's roster for the 2006 World Cup, replacing the injured Cory Gibbs. Berhalter expressed confidence in the ability of the team in the run up to the tournament,[17] but was an unused substitute in all three group games. The U.S. was eliminated after finishing at the bottom of Group E in the first round with one draw and two defeats.
Coaching career
[edit]Hammarby
[edit]Following a season as Los Angeles Galaxy's assistant coach, Berhalter was named head coach for Swedish club Hammarby on December 12, 2011.[18] Berhalter became the first American-born manager to manage a professional team in Europe.[19] In his first year, Hammarby improved seven positions in the standing, narrowly missing out on promotion. Berhalter was fired on July 24, 2013, for a "lack of attacking play".[20] Hammarby were in fifth place at the time of the sacking.[21]
Columbus Crew
[edit]Berhalter became the sporting director and head coach of Columbus Crew on November 6, 2013.[22]
Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs four out of five years, in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018. They reached the MLS Cup 2015 but lost at home 2–1 to the Portland Timbers.
United States
[edit]On December 2, 2018, Berhalter became the head coach of the United States national team (USMNT).[23] He earned his first victory as coach in a friendly match against Panama on January 27, 2019.[24] Berhalter won the first four games of his coaching career.[25] He coached the United States to two continental championships by winning the inaugural Nations League title against Mexico in June 2021, and then defeating Mexico again 1–0 on August 1, 2021, at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. On November 12, 2021, Berhalter led the United States to a 2–0 victory over rival Mexico in World Cup Qualifying at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team subsequently qualified for and reached the round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[26] This made Berhalter the first American in history to participate in the FIFA World Cup as both a head coach and a player.[27]
As coach of the USMNT, Berhalter has built a roster of young players including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie.[28] Sportswriters such as Sports Illustrated's Brian Straus, The Guardian's Nancy Armour and The Athletic's Paul Tenorio have described this as part of an overarching strategy to develop a pool of young soccer talent in the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[29][30][31] Berhalter is also credited with developing a stronger team culture in the USMNT.[32][33] He prefers to use a possession-based play style with a 4-3-3 formation, which has gradually adapted into a more aggressive, forward-moving style of play over the course of his tenure.[25][28]
Berhalter's contract expired on December 31, 2022, with assistant Anthony Hudson named interim head coach while a search for a permanent replacement commenced. Hudson remained in charge through May 2023 before leaving to become the head coach of Al-Markhiya in Qatar; he was replaced by fellow assistant B.J. Callaghan.[34]
On June 16, 2023, U.S. Soccer announced that Berhalter would return as the head coach of the United States through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[35] Sporting director Matt Crocker cited Berhalter's "vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move [the] team forward" as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.[36]
On July 10, 2024, Berhalter was relieved of his duties as the US men's national team head coach after the early exit in the 2024 Copa America group stage. He led the team to a 44–17–13 record and titles in the Nations League and Gold Cup.[37]
Chicago Fire
[edit]On October 8, 2024, Berhalter was named head coach and director of football for MLS club Chicago Fire FC starting from the 2025 season.[38][39]
Personal life
[edit]Berhalter lives in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago with his wife Rosalind, with whom he has four children.[40][41] One of his sons, Sebastian, plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps and the U.S. national team.[42][43]
In March 2023, an investigation by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) found that Claudio Reyna and his wife Danielle had attempted to retaliate against Berhalter because their son Giovanni was receiving limited playing time at the 2022 World Cup.[44][45] The Reynas were also frustrated by comments made after the Cup about the poor behavior of an anonymous player, who was later revealed to be Giovanni.[46] Danielle Reyna attempted to damage Berhalter's career by contacting USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart and USMNT general manager Brian McBride about a fight between Berhalter and his future wife in 1992.[47][48] A USSF probe into the claim found that it was an isolated incident and found no reason not to employ Berhalter as coach.[49]
Coaching statistics
[edit]- As of match played 22 October 2025[citation needed]
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % | ||||
| Hammarby | 
|
December 12, 2011 | July 24, 2013 | 46 | 18 | 17 | 11 | 53 | 44 | +9 | 39.13 |
| Columbus Crew | 
|
November 6, 2013 | December 2, 2018 | 193 | 74 | 49 | 70 | 287 | 282 | +5 | 38.34 |
| United States |
|
December 2, 2018 | December 31, 2022 | 60 | 37 | 12 | 11 | 118 | 40 | +78 | 61.67 |
| United States |
|
August 1, 2023 | July 10, 2024 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 26 | 16 | +10 | 50.00 |
| Chicago Fire |
|
October 24, 2024 | present | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 79 | 65 | +14 | 47.37 |
| Total | 351 | 154 | 87 | 110 | 563 | 447 | +116 | 43.87 | |||
Honors
[edit]Player
[edit]Los Angeles Galaxy
- Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield: 2010, 2011
- Major League Soccer MLS Cup: 2009, 2011
Coach
[edit]United States
References
[edit]- ^ "United States Soccer Federation". FIFA. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022.
- ^ 10 Things USMNT Coach Gregg Berhalter Can't Love Without. GQ Sports. November 10, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Gregg Berhalter Chosen To Lead U.S. Men's National Team To 2026 FIFA World Cup | U.S. Soccer Official Website". USSoccer.com. June 16, 2023. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Carlisle, Jeff (July 10, 2024). "Berhalter fired as USMNT coach after Copa failure". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Bell, Jack (May 31, 2000). "SOCCER: NOTEBOOK; An American Defender Gets His Ticket Home". The New York Times. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
- ^ a b "Gregg Berhalter". U.S. Soccer. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
- ^ a b mlssoccer. "Gregg Berhalter | MLSsoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Berhalter returns as Flyers face Eagles". The News & Observer. May 22, 1993.
- ^ "GREGG BERHALTER – USMNT". US Soccer Players. April 2, 2008. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
- ^ "Bradford 1-2 C Palace". BBC. December 29, 2001. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
- ^ "Galaxy sign veteran defender Berhalter". LA Galaxy. April 3, 2009. Archived from the original on March 21, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
- ^ "Galaxy 2, Houston 0 (ot) Overtime win puts Galaxy in MLS final". LA Times. November 14, 2009. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
- ^ "LA's Berhalter announces retirement after lengthy career". mlssoccer.com. October 12, 2011. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
- ^ lagalaxy. "Gregg Berhalter named head coach at Hammarby | LA Galaxy". lagalaxy. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "Five Things to Know About U.S. MNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Greatest Sports What Ifs". SI.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Czechs and balances: US foe able, aching". The Boston Globe. June 12, 2006. Retrieved October 30, 2010.
- ^ "Gregg Berhalter to coach in Sweden". ESPN. Associated Press. December 12, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ Shore, Phil. "Gregg Berhalter Is First American to Coach Professional Soccer in Europe". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Seltzer, Greg (July 23, 2013). "American Exports: Hammarby fire Gregg Berhalter as manager, citing team's lack of attacking play". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on January 31, 2014. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ "Sweden » Superettan 2013 » 15. Round". World Football. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
- ^ "Former Galaxy player-coach Gregg Berhalter named Columbus manager". Los Angeles Times. November 6, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ "Gregg Berhalter Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team".
- ^ "U.S. beats Panama as Gregg Berhalter wins debut match as manager". ESPN. Reuters. January 27, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- ^ a b "Who is USA soccer coach Gregg Berhalter? Meet the USMNT manager for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar". www.sportingnews.com. September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Keh, Andrew (June 16, 2023). "Gregg Berhalter Rehired as U.S. Men's Coach". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Juliana (June 17, 2023). "Berhalter rehired as U.S. Soccer coach after controversy involving a player's family". NPR.
- ^ a b Keh, Andrew (November 20, 2022). "How Gregg Berhalter Made the U.S. Team His Own". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ "USMNT's World Cup team is historically young, high on chemistry - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ Stejskal, Paul Tenorio and Sam (March 13, 2023). "What next for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT?". The New York Times. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ "Like it or not, bringing Gregg Berhalter back makes sense for U.S. men's soccer team". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ "Like it or not, bringing Gregg Berhalter back makes sense for U.S. men's soccer team". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Schaerlaeckens, Leander (August 2, 2021). "Gregg Berhalter's Plan for American Men's Soccer Is Working". The Ringer. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Anthony Hudson Leaves USMNT, BJ Callaghan Named Interim Manager - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Gregg Berhalter Chosen To Lead U.S. Men's National Team To 2026 FIFA World Cup | U.S. Soccer Official Website". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Explains 2026 World Cup Coaching Decision - Sports Illustrated". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Goff, Steven (July 10, 2024). "Gregg Berhalter out as U.S. men's national team coach after Copa América flop". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
- ^ Tenorio, Paul (October 8, 2024). "Former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter named director of football, head coach of Chicago Fire: Sources". The Athletic. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ "Chicago Fire FC Appoints Gregg Berhalter as Director of Football and Head Coach" (Press release). Chicago Fire. October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ Goldsborough, Bob (July 11, 2019). "U.S. men's soccer coach Gregg Berhalter buys contemporary mansion in Southport Corridor for $2.61 million". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "An Exacting Man: Columbus Crew Coach Gregg Berhalter". Columbus Monthly. April 4, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ Baer, Benjamin (January 17, 2020). "Columbus Crew SC sign Sebastian Berhalter, Gregg's son, to Homegrown deal". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ Goff, Steven (June 27, 2025). "He was raised alongside the U.S. men's national team. Now he's part of it". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
- ^ "Berhalter's back: How U.S. Soccer's strange coaching search played out". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Macur, Juliet (March 13, 2023). "Investigators Clear U.S. Soccer Coach in 1992 Incident". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ "Gio Reyna's mother gave USSF Berhalter info". ESPN.com. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ "Berhalter-Reyna explained: Drama's roots in U.S.'s overbearing parents". ESPN.com. January 12, 2023. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Agencies (January 3, 2023). "USA coach Gregg Berhalter admits to kicking future wife in 1991 incident". the Guardian. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ^ Tenorio, Paul. "USSF's Gregg Berhalter investigation explained: Findings, Reynas' involvement, what's next". The New York Times. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
- ^ "Christian Pulisic, Ethan Horvath lead U.S. over Mexico in Nations League final". ESPN. June 6, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ "Adams Reyna on target as United States complete three peat". CONCACAF. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
- ^ "United States beats Mexico in Gold Cup final on late Miles Robinson header". ESPN. August 1, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
External links
[edit]
- Gregg Berhalter at Major League Soccer
- Gregg Berhalter at fussballdaten.de (in German)
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Gregg Berhalter
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Gregg Berhalter was born on August 1, 1973, in Englewood, New Jersey, to parents of Polish descent on his mother's side, whose family included immigrant farmers from Long Island.[8][9] He grew up in nearby Tenafly, New Jersey, within a family connected to American sports heritage through his godfather, baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, a second cousin whose mother was Berhalter's great-aunt.[8][10] Berhalter's immediate family emphasized athletic pursuits, with his older brother Jay later rising to executive vice president of business development at Major League Soccer, influencing a household environment supportive of competitive sports from a young age.[11] This familial encouragement played a key role in his early interest in soccer, as he began playing in local youth leagues, including the Union County Sport Club, where he developed foundational skills amid a community of aspiring athletes.[9]Education and youth development
Berhalter grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and attended St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, graduating in 1991. There, he excelled in soccer as a standout defender, helping the team achieve a national No. 1 ranking in 1990 while playing alongside future U.S. international Claudio Reyna.[12][1][13] Berhalter then played college soccer for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels from 1991 to 1993, where he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 1992 and 1993, along with third-team All-American recognition in both years. During his time at UNC, he contributed to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the quarterfinals in 1993, and recorded 13 goals and 10 assists over his career. His family supported his focus on soccer from an early age, encouraging him to prioritize it over other sports like baseball, where he was the godson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski.[14][15][16] On the youth international stage, Berhalter represented the United States at the U-20 level, captaining the team at the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia, where they advanced to the quarterfinals, finishing eighth overall after a 0–3 loss to Brazil.[1][17][18][19] After his junior year at UNC, Berhalter opted to turn professional, forgoing his senior season to sign with FC Zwolle in the Dutch Eerste Divisie in 1994, marking the start of his overseas playing career.[20][21]Playing career
Club career
Berhalter began his professional playing career in the Netherlands after leaving the University of North Carolina following his junior year in 1994. He signed with PEC Zwolle of the Eerste Divisie, where he played two seasons (1994–1996), making 66 appearances and scoring 5 goals.[2] He transferred to Sparta Rotterdam in 1996, appearing in 65 matches and scoring 3 goals over two seasons (1996–1998), helping the club earn promotion to the Eredivisie for the 1998–1999 season.[1] Berhalter joined Cambuur Leeuwarden in 1998, logging 90 appearances and 4 goals across three seasons (1998–2001) in the Eerste Divisie.[2] In January 2001, Berhalter moved to Crystal Palace in England's First Division (now Championship), where he made 14 league appearances and scored 1 goal during the 2000–2001 season amid the club's promotion push.[22] Berhalter signed with Energie Cottbus in Germany's 2. Bundesliga in summer 2002, becoming a key defender and captain from 2004; over four seasons (2002–2006), he recorded 132 league appearances and 9 goals, contributing to the team's promotion to the Bundesliga for the 2003–2004 season.[23][22] He remained in the 2. Bundesliga with TSV 1860 Munich from 2006 to 2009, serving as captain for much of his tenure; he amassed 98 league appearances and 8 goals, highlighting his leadership in a side that reached the promotion playoffs in 2008.[22][24] In April 2009, Berhalter returned to Major League Soccer, signing with the LA Galaxy, where he played as a central defender through the 2011 season, making 52 appearances without scoring and contributing to the club's 2011 MLS Cup victory. Berhalter retired immediately after the triumph, concluding an 18-year career with over 500 professional appearances primarily as a center back.[25][26]International career
Berhalter earned his first cap for the United States men's national team on October 19, 1994, substituting in at halftime during a 2-1 friendly defeat to Saudi Arabia in Dharan.[9] Over the course of his 12-year international tenure, he amassed 44 appearances without scoring a goal.[9] Primarily deployed as a center-back, Berhalter was valued for his commanding presence in defense, leadership on the pitch, and proficiency in organizing set-piece defending.[27] As the youngest player on the roster, Berhalter contributed to the U.S. team's fourth-place finish at the 1995 Copa América in Uruguay, marking his first major international tournament.[9] He appeared in one match during the 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup, helping the side reach the final before a 1-0 loss to Mexico.[28] Berhalter also played a role in the U.S. securing third place at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico, featuring in group stage games.[9] Berhalter's most notable international achievement came during the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where he started in the round-of-16 victory over Mexico (2-0) and the quarterfinal defeat to Germany (1-0), as the U.S. advanced to the tournament's final eight for the first time since 1930.[9] He was included in the squad for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup in France but saw limited action amid injuries.[9] Berhalter made the 23-man roster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, though he did not play as the team exited in the group stage.[9] He retired from international soccer following the tournament.[2]Coaching career
Hammarby IF
Following his retirement from an 18-year playing career with the LA Galaxy, where he had served as a player/assistant coach during the 2011 season, Gregg Berhalter was appointed head coach of Swedish second-division club Hammarby IF on December 12, 2011. This marked his first professional head coaching role, for which he held a UEFA B license, and made him the first American to manage a professional club in Europe. Berhalter's familiarity with the club from his own playing stint there between 1997 and 1999 aided his transition to the Swedish football environment. In his inaugural full season of 2012, Berhalter guided Hammarby to a fourth-place finish in the Superettan, accumulating 49 points from 13 wins, 10 draws, and 7 losses. This outcome improved upon the club's 11th-place result from 2011 and positioned Hammarby just outside the promotion playoffs to the Allsvenskan, the Swedish top flight. Berhalter emphasized a Dutch-influenced style focused on disciplined defending and proactive attacking play, though the team occasionally faced challenges in penetrating compact, defensive setups employed by opponents. The 2013 campaign started sluggishly, with Hammarby managing only 12 goals across 15 matches while conceding 15 and suffering six shutouts, despite boasting the league's second-best defensive record. On July 24, 2013, Berhalter was dismissed midway through the season, as the club sat in fifth place and trailed the promotion spots by nine points; club chairman Kent Hertzell cited the team's insufficient offensive production as the primary reason for the change. Berhalter's replacement was former Hammarby midfielder Thomas Dennerby. Across his 19-month tenure, Berhalter recorded 18 wins, 11 draws, and 16 losses in 45 competitive matches. His experience at Hammarby provided an opportunity to blend U.S. soccer principles, such as structured team organization, with European tactical demands, refining his approach amid cultural and stylistic adjustments.Columbus Crew SC
Gregg Berhalter was appointed as head coach and sporting director of Columbus Crew SC on November 6, 2013, marking his return to Major League Soccer in a dual leadership role. In his first season of 2014, Berhalter guided the team to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference with a 14-10-10 record, securing a playoff berth and advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they fell to the New England Revolution. This turnaround came after a disappointing 2013 campaign under previous management, with Berhalter emphasizing a player-first culture and tactical discipline from the outset.[29][30] Berhalter's tactical philosophy evolved into a possession-oriented system characterized by high pressing and quick transitions, drawing on lessons from his time managing Hammarby IF in Sweden to foster an attractive, proactive style of play. This approach led to notable improvements in ball possession and passing accuracy, with the Crew ranking among the league leaders in these metrics by 2014. His innovative strategies earned him a finalist spot for the 2014 MLS Coach of the Year award, recognizing the team's resurgence despite a modest budget. In 2015, the Crew finished second in the Eastern Conference and reached the MLS Cup Final at MAPFRE Stadium, though they lost 1-0 to the Portland Timbers in a tightly contested match.[31][32][33] The 2017 season highlighted further success, as Columbus clinched a playoff spot and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, defeating the New York Red Bulls in the semifinals before falling to eventual champions Toronto FC. Although the team exited the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the fourth round, Berhalter's tenure consistently prioritized depth and youth integration. In 2018, the Crew again qualified for the playoffs, finishing fifth in the East, but were eliminated in the first round by the New York Red Bulls. Over five seasons, Berhalter compiled a regular-season record of 67 wins, 58 losses, and 45 draws, with the victories ranking third in club history.[1][34][35] A key aspect of Berhalter's impact was player development, particularly with homegrown talents like midfielder Wil Trapp, who emerged as team captain and a U.S. international under his guidance, exemplifying the club's academy-to-first-team pipeline. Berhalter's holistic approach extended to four playoff appearances in five years, transforming Columbus into a competitive force known for tactical sophistication and resilience. He departed the club on December 2, 2018, to assume the head coaching position with the United States men's national team, leaving behind a legacy of sustained improvement and foundational success.[35][36][37]United States men's national team
Gregg Berhalter was appointed head coach of the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) on December 2, 2018, becoming the first former U.S. World Cup player to hold the position.[38] His initial four-year contract aimed to rebuild the team following its failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. During his first term, Berhalter led the USMNT to significant regional success, including victory in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League in June 2021 with a 3-2 extra-time win over Mexico in the final.[39] Later that year, the team captured the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, defeating Mexico 1-0 in extra time on August 1 to secure its seventh title in the competition.[40] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Berhalter guided the USMNT out of the group stage for the first time since 2014, advancing with a 1-0 win over Iran before a 3-1 round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands on December 3.[41] Berhalter's contract expired on December 31, 2022, and was not renewed amid a search for a permanent successor, with assistant coach Anthony Hudson serving as interim head coach from January 2023.[42] His potential rehiring was complicated by revelations in January 2023 of a 1991 domestic violence incident from his college days, when, at age 18, he attempted to kick his then-girlfriend (now wife, Rosalind Berhalter) during an argument; she responded by kicking him, and the couple later reconciled through counseling, with no charges filed.[43] The allegation surfaced after USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna's parents, Claudio and Danielle Reyna, reported it to the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) in December 2022, following limited playing time for their son at the World Cup; a separate USSF probe also examined claims of inappropriate conduct by the Reynas toward staff. An independent investigation by the law firm Alston & Bird, concluded in March 2023, found no violation of USSF policy by Berhalter and cleared him of any legal impediment to coaching.[44] Berhalter was rehired on June 16, 2023, for a contract through the 2026 World Cup.[45] In his second stint, Berhalter's USMNT defended the CONCACAF Nations League title in June 2023, beating Canada 2-0 in the final on June 18 to claim back-to-back championships.[46] However, the team's performance faltered at the 2024 Copa América, where it failed to advance from the group stage after a 2-1 loss to Panama on June 27, a 0-0 draw with Uruguay on July 1, and a prior 2-0 win over Bolivia, finishing third in Group C on goal difference.[47] The disappointing exit prompted the USSF to relieve Berhalter of his duties on July 10, 2024.[48] Across both terms, Berhalter compiled an overall record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws in 74 matches, with a strong 27-7-7 mark in competitive fixtures.[49] His tenure emphasized youth integration, establishing a core of emerging talents such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna as key leaders and contributors to the team's tactical evolution.[50] This focus helped position the USMNT as a rising force in CONCACAF while preparing for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.[51]Chicago Fire FC
On October 8, 2024, Gregg Berhalter was appointed as head coach and director of football for Chicago Fire FC, effective at the conclusion of the 2024 MLS season, with responsibilities commencing for the 2025 campaign.[3] In this dual role, Berhalter was tasked with revitalizing the club, which had endured several challenging years without playoff qualification. His appointment marked a significant shift, leveraging his prior experience in MLS and international management to rebuild the team's structure and culture.[52] During the 2025 preseason, Berhalter introduced a tactical system emphasizing possession-based play and high pressing, often referred to as "Berhalter Ball" among observers, which built on philosophies from his USMNT tenure by prioritizing controlled build-up and aggressive recovery.[7] As director of football, he expanded his oversight to include the youth academy and transfer strategy. Under Berhalter's guidance, Chicago Fire FC enjoyed a resurgent 2025 season, clinching an MLS Cup playoff berth for the first time since 2017 and setting club records with nine away wins and 41 away goals, while scoring 68 goals overall to rank second in the league.[7][53] The Fire advanced by defeating Orlando City SC 3–1 in the wild card match on October 22, 2025, before facing the Philadelphia Union in the first-round series (October 26: 2–2 draw, 4–2 penalty loss; November 1: 0–3 loss), ending with a 3–0 aggregate goals defeat. A notable off-field incident occurred during the November 1, 2025, second-leg playoff match against Philadelphia Union at SeatGeek Stadium, where homophobic chants from some Fire supporters prompted two stoppages; Berhalter personally approached the crowd to urge them to cease, later issuing a strong condemnation of the "unacceptable" behavior in post-match statements, reaffirming the club's commitment to inclusive environments.[54][55] Following the season, Berhalter facilitated key acquisitions, including the signing of Swedish midfielder Anton Salétros from AIK on November 7, 2025, and the permanent transfer of Portuguese midfielder André Franco (initially on loan from August 2025) from FC Porto on the same date, securing both through 2028 to bolster midfield depth for future seasons.[56][57]Managerial record
Club management
Berhalter's first major club managerial role was with Hammarby IF in Sweden from 2011 to 2013, where he oversaw 46 games and achieved a record of 18 wins, 16 draws, and 12 losses, yielding a 39% win rate.[58] This period marked his transition from playing to coaching, emphasizing defensive organization in the Superettan division.[58] During his tenure with Columbus Crew SC from 2013 to 2018, Berhalter managed 170 regular season games, posting 67 wins, 45 draws, and 58 losses for a 39% win rate, while his playoff record stood at 11 wins and 7 losses across multiple postseason appearances.[35] These figures highlight a focus on consistent regular-season performance, with the team qualifying for playoffs in four of five seasons under his leadership.[2] As of November 2025, Berhalter's time with Chicago Fire FC, starting in 2025, includes 40 games with 18 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses, resulting in a 45% win rate; the team advanced to the playoffs (first since 2017), winning one game before exiting in the first round, with key 2025 signings contributing to improved goal output.[3][7][59] A comparative analysis of Berhalter's club records shows his win percentages around 39-45%, aligning with his overall coaching style, evident in a 44-17-13 international record that stressed tactical discipline.[60]| Club | Tenure | Total/Regular Games | Record (W-D-L) | Win Rate | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammarby IF | 2011–2013 | 46 | 18-16-12 | 39% | N/A |
| Columbus Crew SC | 2013–2018 | 170 (regular) | 67-45-58 | 39% | 11-7 |
| Chicago Fire FC | 2025–present | 40 | 18-10-12 | 45% | 1-2 (first round) |
International management
Berhalter's first term as head coach of the United States men's national team (USMNT) spanned from December 2018 to December 2022, during which he oversaw 60 matches with a record of 37 wins, 11 losses, and 12 draws, yielding a win percentage of approximately 62%.[61] This period included successful qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and victories in major regional tournaments, establishing a foundation for consistent performance in CONCACAF competitions.[62] In his second term, from August 2023 to July 2024, Berhalter managed 14 matches, achieving 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, for a win percentage of 50%.[63] This stint featured a CONCACAF Nations League title in 2023 but ended with an early group-stage elimination at the 2024 Copa América, where the USMNT recorded 0 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses.[64] Key tournament records under Berhalter highlight both achievements and challenges. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT advanced to the round of 16 with 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss across four matches, including a decisive 1–0 victory over Iran to secure progression from the group stage.[65] In the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the team went undefeated with 6 wins and 0 losses or draws, culminating in a 1–0 extra-time victory over Mexico in the final.[66] Overall, Berhalter's USMNT tenure across both terms comprised 74 matches with 44 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws, reflecting a win percentage of about 59%.[67] Against CONCACAF opponents specifically, the record stood at 34 wins, 5 losses, and 8 draws in 47 matches, demonstrating strong regional dominance with a win rate exceeding 72%.[62]| Period/Tournament | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Win % | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Term (2018–2022) | 60 | 37 | 11 | 12 | 62% | 2021 Gold Cup & Nations League titles; 2022 World Cup qualification |
| Second Term (2023–2024) | 14 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 50% | 2023 Nations League title; 2024 Copa América group exit |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 25% | Round of 16 |
| 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 100% | Champions |
| Overall USMNT | 74 | 44 | 17 | 13 | 59% | - |
| vs. CONCACAF Opponents | 47 | 34 | 5 | 8 | 72% | Regional titles in 2021 & 2023 |
Personal life
Family
Gregg Berhalter married Rosalind Berhalter (née Santana) on December 31, 1997, after meeting her at the University of North Carolina, where both were members of the soccer team.[68][69] The couple has four children: son Sebastian and daughters Santana, Lily, and Delilah.[70] Sebastian Berhalter, the eldest son, is a professional midfielder who has been with Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps FC since 2022, signing a contract extension through 2025 with a club option for 2026; as of 2025, he earned recognition on the MLS Best XI and received multiple call-ups to the United States men's national team.[71][72][73] The Berhalter family has frequently relocated to accommodate Gregg's coaching positions, including a move to Sweden in 2011 for his role at Hammarby IF, to Columbus, Ohio in 2013 for the Columbus Crew SC, and to Chicago in 2019 following his appointment with the United States men's national team, where they continue to reside amid his current tenure with Chicago Fire FC.[74][75] Rosalind has played a key supportive role throughout these transitions, including publicly addressing family challenges during Gregg's professional controversies to affirm their partnership and commitment to growth.[76][77]Philanthropy and interests
Berhalter has actively promoted youth soccer access in underserved communities through his association with U.S. Soccer initiatives, particularly following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In reflections on the tournament's roster diversity, he stressed the need to expand opportunities by reaching into underserved areas to excite and develop new talent, aligning with the U.S. Soccer Foundation's mission to provide play spaces and programs for underprivileged youth.[78] In his role with Chicago Fire FC since 2024, Berhalter has supported the club's community outreach efforts, including youth soccer programs designed to engage immigrant and diverse populations in the Chicago area. These initiatives, tied to his leadership, focus on building inclusive pathways for young players from varied backgrounds, enhancing local access to training and development opportunities.[79] Beyond philanthropy, Berhalter maintains personal interests rooted in his Italian-American heritage, particularly enjoying cooking traditional Italian cuisine for large family gatherings. He has shared that preparing meals like those featuring Antica Carpano vermouth is a key way he unwinds and connects with loved ones. Additionally, he engages in outdoor activities and uses wellness tools such as an Oura ring to monitor health and recovery. Berhalter also advocates for mental health in sports, emphasizing emotional resilience amid high-pressure roles.[80] Following his 2024 firing from the USMNT after the Copa América, Berhalter reflected publicly on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in coaching. In interviews, he described the dismissal as a "really difficult moment" akin to mourning, during which he prioritized time with family to process emotions, rebuild confidence, and regain perspective before returning to club management.[81]Honors
As player
During his playing career, Gregg Berhalter earned recognition at the collegiate, club, and international levels.Youth
- First-team All-ACC (1992, 1993) while at the University of North Carolina.[14]
Club
International
- 44 caps for the United States men's national team (1994–2006).[9]
- CONCACAF Copa América fourth place (1995).[9]
- FIFA World Cup quarterfinalist (2002).[84]
As manager
Columbus Crew SC
- Eastern Conference Regular Season Champions (2015).[85]
- MLS Cup runner-up (2015).[85]
- MLS Coach of the Year nominee (2013, 2017); finalist (2014).[86][87][88]
United States men's national team
- CONCACAF Nations League (2021, 2023).[89][90]
- CONCACAF Gold Cup (2021).[66]
- FIFA World Cup Round of 16 (2022).
Chicago Fire FC
- MLS Cup Playoffs qualification (2025).[91]