Klopp, Cherundolo among USMNT head coach candidates USSF could consider

The premature elimination of the United States men’s national team from the 2024 Copa America has prompted serious calls for Gregg Berhalter to be fired as head coach.

Berhalter is only in his second season as head coach, but a group-stage exit from this summer’s competition could spell the end of his tenure. The 50-year-old saw the U.S. national team struggle for consistency at the Copa America, losing back-to-back matches to Panama and Uruguay to earn them elimination.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just two years away, the U.S. national soccer team must consider a change to prepare the U.S. national team for a unique experience.

Here’s a closer look at several candidates US Soccer should consider if they do decide to part ways with Berhalter:

Jürgen Klopp, free agent

The chances of US Soccer having the funds to pay a manager like Klopp are slim, but why not consider it?

Klopp has won 13 trophies during his coaching career with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. After leaving Liverpool last spring, Klopp has been on the market for a few months as he considers his next career move.

The 57-year-old has helped Liverpool return to the limelight of English football over the past 10 years, winning the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League and several domestic cups.

A reunion with former Borussia Dortmund player Christian Pulisic would also be positive for the USMNT and Klopp.

Klopp has never coached a national team, and who knows if he wants to go down that path.

Steve Cherundolo, LAFC

A familiar face to USMNT fans would be LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo.

Cherundolo is in his fourth year as a head coach, again with MLS powerhouse LAFC. After winning the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022, Cherundolo led LAFC back to the league final in 2023.

The current Western Conference leaders remain a major threat to win another league title by the end of the year, which is a testament to Cherundolo’s work with the club.

After a 15-year playing career in Germany, Cherundolo worked with Hannover’s youth system before returning to North America. He earned 87 caps for the USMNT as a player, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2015.

If the U.S. Soccer Federation wants to get familiar with the club, Cherundolo would be the safe choice, but again, who knows what route the federation wants to take.

Patrick Vieira, Strasbourg

Six years after leaving the United States, Patrick Vieira could be an option for the USMNT.

Currently head coach of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, Vieira is in his fourth managerial stint in his career. A former Arsenal and France legend as a player, Vieira has also coached NYCFC, Crystal Palace and Nice during his career.

The 48-year-old coach is also more affordable than other coaches on the market, earning nearly $3 million per season in France.

However, a 38% winning percentage in over 290 games is a bit concerning for a USMNT program that hopes to compete with the best in the world.

Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Team Member

Wilfried Nancy is only in his second season as head coach of the Columbus Crew, but the 47-year-old is one of the best options in North America.

Nancy led the team to MLS Cup victory last season, beating mighty LAFC 2-1 in the final. The Frenchman has only been a first-team coach for four years, having previously worked with CF Montreal from 2021 to 2022.

Nancy helped the team become an MLS contender again, while also having a difficult run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Nancy wants to make the jump to a major international role, but he should certainly be considered for his positive work in Columbus.

Zinedine Zidane, free agent

Zinedine Zidane has been sidelined for three years, but a move to the USMNT could help put him back on the map.

Zidane has coached Real Madrid twice, leading Los Blancos to seven trophies. In 320 appearances as coach of Real Madrid’s first and second teams, Zidane has won over 60% of his matches, proving that he has been capable of delivering a consistent record.

Like the other players on this list, Zidane has never managed to establish himself at international level, which leaves room for question marks. However, the 52-year-old certainly brings a lot of experience, something that cannot be taught.