How USMNT coaches have done in their debut: Bruce Arena, Bob Bradley, Gregg Berhalter and more

Despite the lack of goals in his first game back, Arena led the USMNT to a crucial 2-0 win over Honduras in his first World Cup qualifier back in charge, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the campaign that saw the team secure a spot in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, the euphoria was short-lived as the USMNT failed to advance past the group stage, leading to Arena stepping down from his post once again.

Dave Sarachan

Following Arena’s departure, Dave Sarachan took over as the interim head coach of the USMNT. He coached his first game in November 2017, a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Leiria. Weston McKennie scored the lone goal for the USMNT, signaling a new era for the team as they looked to rebuild after missing out on the World Cup. Sarachan’s tenure saw the introduction of several young players who would go on to become key figures for the team in the years to come.

Gregg Berhalter

Gregg Berhalter was named the head coach of the USMNT in December 2018, taking over the reins from Sarachan. His first game in charge came in January 2019, a 3-0 win over Panama in a friendly match. Berhalter’s tenure has seen the team undergo a tactical transformation, with an emphasis on possession-based soccer and building from the back. The team has shown progress under Berhalter’s leadership, with a young core of players emerging as key contributors.

Mauricio Pochettino’s debut

Now, Mauricio Pochettino steps into the role of USMNT head coach, tasked with leading the team into a new era of success. His first game against Panama will be a crucial test of his tactical acumen and ability to motivate the players to perform at their best. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino will be under pressure to deliver results and guide the team to new heights.

As Pochettino prepares to make his coaching debut with the USMNT, fans will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges that come with leading a national team. With a strong history of success for new head coaches in their debut games, Pochettino will be aiming to continue that trend and set the tone for a successful tenure with the team.

After Bruce Arena’s tumultuous second tenure as head coach of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) ended in disappointment with a failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the search for a new leader began. In December 2018, MLS recruit Gregg Berhalter was appointed to take charge of the team and usher in a new era of youthful talent.

Berhalter’s first match at the helm came in January 2019 during a camp setting, where the USMNT defeated Panama 3-0 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Goals from Djordje Mihailovic, Walker Zimmermann, and Cristian Ramirez set the tone for Berhalter’s vision of revitalizing the national team with fresh faces. Players like Zimmerman and Cristian Roldan emerged as key figures in Berhalter’s squad, eventually earning spots on the 2022 World Cup roster.

Under Berhalter’s guidance, the young USMNT enjoyed success, reaching the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. However, Berhalter’s contract expired at the end of the year, leading to a brief departure from the post. The team’s early exit from the Copa America in the following summer marked the end of Berhalter’s first stint as head coach.

In September 2023, Berhalter made a triumphant return to the USMNT, leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan at St. Louis’ CityPark. Familiar faces like Timothy Weah, Christian Pulisic, and Ricardo Pepi found the back of the net, showcasing the continuity of Berhalter’s squad despite his temporary absence. The majority of players from that match later represented the USMNT at the Copa America, demonstrating the cohesion and consistency within the team.

Despite his success in guiding the USMNT to notable achievements, Berhalter’s tenure came to an end after the Copa America due to the team’s unexpected early exit. Nevertheless, the core roster from that tournament remains intact for the upcoming challenges under new coach Pochettino.

As the USMNT continues to evolve and adapt under different leadership, the legacy of Berhalter’s contributions to the team’s rejuvenation will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the ongoing development of American soccer.