United States soccer next manager odds: Could Jurgen Klopp replace Gregg Berhalter?

Gregg Berhalter has been relieved of his duties as the United States Men’s National Team manager after spending the better part of the last six years in the role. The United States Soccer Federation — specifically Sporting Director Matt Crocker — will now search for his replacement ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Fox Sports analyst Laken Litman reports that U.S. Soccer is “prepared to invest” in a “serial winning coach,” which gives fans hope. Could big fish, such as former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, be in play to replace Berhalter? Let’s break it down and discuss the odds.

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Who will replace Gregg Berhalter as the United States Men’s National Team’s next manager?

The main priority will be getting a winning manager in place soon. The 2026 World Cup is right around the corner and it’s an important one on home soil. After a disappointing Copa America campaign, the national team returns to action against Canada in September and it’d like to have a manager in place.

While Berhalter’s tenure ended with a series of failures, he deserves credit for reviving a federation following its darkest moment and elevating it entirely. The foundation has been laid and the tools are there for the next manager to take the Stars and Stripes to new heights.

Los Angeles FC’s Steve Cherundolo is the name at the forefront of every discussion regarding the vacancy. The former U.S. international checks all of the boxes for previous hires. He’s familiar with the team as a former player with 87 caps, he’s a winner (2022 MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield) and he’s American.

Herve Renard also makes a ton of sense if the USSF is looking for an experienced international manager. The Frenchman has taken charge of numerous national teams, including Ivory Coast, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Zambia. He’s got a history of punching above his weight with those nations. Following the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the current manager of the France Women’s National Team will be out of contract.

If the federation is looking to continue its history of hiring the top options from the MLS, look no further than the Philadelphia Union’s Jim Curtin or Colombus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy. Both have enjoyed success at their current stops and could be serious candidates if Cherundolo isn’t in the mix.

The elephant in the room is the list of more well-known managers from Europe.

Jurgen Klopp is the dream hire for many fans, and Fox Sports reports that the two sides have been in contact. However, Klopp stepped away from Liverpool after a wildly successful stint citing fatigue. It’s unclear whether he wants to assume a position just months later, especially on the international stage. There’s also the reality that he’ll command a large salary and he’ll be courted by many countries if he is on the market again.

Thomas Tuchel is also an intriguing name. The former Champions League winner with Chelsea is considered to be one of the best tournament managers in the world. He’s had deep tournament runs with Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the last decade. The German recently left his post with Bayern Munich, so like Klopp, he’s a free agent.

Jesse Marsch has shown interest in the job in the past, but when the U.S. decided to re-hire Berhalter following the 2022 World Cup, Marsch turned his attention elsewhere. He’s signed on with Canada until after the 2026 World Cup. Even if the Stars and Stripes are interested now, would he leave his current position? It’s doubtful.

Lastly, Gareth Southgate could be a wildcard option. He’s expected to conclude his eight years with England after Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain. Despite playing a “boring” style, it’s proven to be impactful as he’s made a World Cup semifinal and two Euro finals during his stint. Southgate’s résumé speaks for itself, and if the U.S. wants a winner, it could do worse than the Englishman.

Berhalter was relieved of his duties less than 24 hours ago, so there are no live odds regarding his replacement. Therefore, Bet.NOLA has come up with odds based on reports about the vacancy as of July 11, 2024: