Is Gregg Berhalter Really Capable of Taking on the World's Best with the USMNT?
Gregg Berhalter holds a controversial position at the helm of the U.S. national team. On one hand, he has proven capable of leading the team against some of the world’s soccer powerhouses. On the other hand, his crushing defeats against heavyweights cast doubt on his true competence. Let’s cut to the chase: Berhalter’s performance against the top 30 teams in the FIFA rankings is a roller coaster ride.
Looking at the numbers, it seems like a coach still struggling to find his identity and, more importantly, that of his team. Against opponents like Brazil and England, Berhalter has managed draws that, in some ways, can be seen as moral victories. After all, holding off the English team isn't easy, nor is snatching a draw against Brazil.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
But reality isn’t that simple. The setback against Colombia, a humiliating 5-1 defeat, and the ruthless elimination in the group stage after losing to Uruguay in the Copa América are shadows hanging over his tenure. These results raise red flags, indicating that the U.S. team under Berhalter’s baton is far from establishing itself as a real force. Defensive fragility and the lack of firepower against elite teams are aspects Berhalter urgently needs to address if he wants to silence his critics.
The contrast becomes even more apparent when analyzing games against Mexico. In a true CONCACAF titans’ clash, Berhalter has delivered commendable performances. The 1-0 victory in the 2021 Gold Cup final and the 3-2 triumph in the Nations League are high points showing Berhalter’s ability to prepare his team for decisive games. However, we can't ignore the heavy defeats to the same opponent in friendlies and other tournaments, revealing an inconsistency that’s hard to swallow.
While the draw against Uruguay in a friendly and the win over Switzerland can be seen as positive indicators, the losses to teams like Japan and Iran in the World Cup show there's still a long way to go. These matches are a microcosm of the challenge of keeping a team competitive and focused against high-level opponents, a challenge Berhalter needs to master if he wants to turn the U.S. team into a true powerhouse.
And this is where the roller coaster metaphor becomes even more fitting. For every thrilling climb, there’s a dizzying descent that leaves everyone with their hearts in their throats, wondering if the next loop will be triumphant or disastrous.
All USMNT Results Against Top 30 FIFA-Ranked Teams Under Berhalter
Against the Netherlands
Date: 12/03/2022
Result: 1-3 Loss
Competition: World Cup
Against Brazil
Date: 06/12/2024
Result: 1-1 Draw
Competition: Friendly
Against Colombia
Date: 06/08/2024
Result: 1-5
Loss Competition: Friendly
Against Uruguay
Date: 07/01/2024
Result: 0-4
Loss Competition: Copa América
Against Uruguay
Date: 09/10/2019
Result: 1-1 Draw
Competition: Friendly
Against England
Date: 11/25/2022
Result: 0-0 Draw
Competition: World Cup
Against Uruguay
Date: 06/05/2022
Result: 0-0 Draw
Competition: Friendly
Against Mexico
Date: 08/01/2021
Result: 1-0 Win
Competition: Gold Cup
Against Germany
Date: 10/14/2023
Result: 1-3
Loss Competition: Friendly
Against Mexico
Date: 06/06/2021
Result: 3-2 Win
Competition: Nations League
Against Switzerland
Date: 05/30/2021
Result: 1-2 Loss
Competition: Friendly
Against Mexico
Date: 11/12/2021
Result: 2-0 Win
Competition: World Cup Qualifiers
Against Mexico
Date: 09/06/2019
Result: 0-3 Loss
Competition: Friendly
Against Mexico
Date: 07/07/2019
Result: 0-1 Loss
Competition: Gold Cup
Against Chile
Date: 03/26/2019
Result: 1-1 Draw
Competition: Friendly
Against Mexico
Date: 03/24/2022
Result: 0-0 Draw
Competition: World Cup Qualifiers
Against Mexico
Date: 03/24/2022
Result: 2-0 Win
Competition: Nations League
Against Wales
Date: 11/12/2020
Result: 0-0 Draw
Competition: Friendly
Against Wales
Date: 11/21/2022
Result: 1-1 Draw
Competition: World Cup
Against Iran
Date: 11/29/2022
Result: 1-0 Win
Competition: World Cup
Against Ecuador
Date: 03/21/2019
Result: 1-0 Win
Competition: Friendly
Against Canada
Date: 01/30/2022
Result: 0-2 Loss
Competition: World Cup Qualifiers
Against Japan
Date: 09/23/2022
Result: 0-2 Loss
Competition: Friendly
Against Venezuela
Date: 06/09/2019
Result: 0-3 Loss
Competition: Friendly
feed