Gregg Berhalter: From International Defender to Football Manager

Gregg Berhalter is an American football manager and former professional player whose career has spanned the international game, European leagues and Major League Soccer (MLS). He is best known for coaching the United States men’s national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and for his long involvement in developing the game in the US.

Playing career

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, on 1 August 1973, Berhalter played as a defender. After beginning his professional career in the United States, he moved to Europe, where he represented clubs including Crystal Palace in England, Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich in Germany. He later returned to the US to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Berhalter also represented the United States internationally, earning 44 caps. He was part of the squad at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. The 2002 team reached the quarter-finals, one of the strongest performances by the US at the tournament.

Moving into management

After retiring as a player, Berhalter moved into coaching. In 2013, he became head coach of the Columbus Crew, making him the first American to manage the club. During his time there, the Crew reached the MLS Cup final in 20

His work in Columbus helped establish him as a candidate for the national-team job.

Berhalter was appointed head coach of the United States men’s national team in 20

He led the side to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the US were eliminated by the Netherlands in the round of 16. During his tenure, the team also won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League.

After a spell away from the role, Berhalter returned as head coach in 20

The US won the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League under his leadership. Following the team’s group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa América, US Soccer announced that he would leave the position.

A new chapter in Chicago

In October 2024, Berhalter was appointed head coach and director of football at Chicago Fire FC. The role brought together his experience on the touchline with broader responsibility for the club’s football operations.

Coaching approach and legacy

Berhalter’s teams have often sought to build from the back, keep possession and press opponents in organised spells. His time with the national team also coincided with the emergence of a young group of American players competing at leading European clubs. His tenure prompted debate among supporters, particularly over results and tactical choices, but he played a central role in guiding the US through a World Cup qualifying campaign and back into the tournament’s knockout rounds.

From his years as an international defender to his work in MLS and with the national team, Berhalter has been a prominent figure in American football. His career reflects the growth of the sport in the United States and the increasing links between its domestic clubs and the wider international game.

Everything You Need to Know About Gregg Berhalter: Career, Achievements, and Current Role

Who is Gregg Berhalter?
How old is Gregg Berhalter?
Which teams did Gregg Berhalter play for?
Was Gregg Berhalter a player for the United States national team?
When did Gregg Berhalter manage the United States at the FIFA World Cup?
What trophies has Gregg Berhalter won as a manager?
Which club does Gregg Berhalter currently manage?

Who is Gregg Berhalter?

Gregg Berhalter is an American football manager and former professional defender. He represented the United States at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and later became head coach of the national team, leading it at the 2022 World Cup. He has also managed clubs in Major League Soccer, including Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire FC.

How old is Gregg Berhalter?

Gregg Berhalter was born on 1 August 1973, so he is 53 years old as of October 2026.

Which teams did Gregg Berhalter play for?

Gregg Berhalter played professionally for PEC Zwolle, Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur in the Netherlands, Crystal Palace in England, Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich in Germany, and the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. He also represented the United States at international level, including at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

Was Gregg Berhalter a player for the United States national team?

Yes. Gregg Berhalter played as a defender for the United States men’s national team, earning 44 international caps. He represented the US at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, and later went on to coach the national side.

When did Gregg Berhalter manage the United States at the FIFA World Cup?

Gregg Berhalter managed the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The team reached the round of 16, where they were knocked out by the Netherlands.

What trophies has Gregg Berhalter won as a manager?

As manager of the United States men’s national team, Gregg Berhalter won three major CONCACAF trophies: the 2021 Gold Cup and the Nations League titles in 2021 and 2024. His Columbus Crew side also reached the 2015 MLS Cup final, but did not win the competition.

Which club does Gregg Berhalter currently manage?

Gregg Berhalter currently manages Chicago Fire FC, the Major League Soccer club based in Chicago. He was appointed head coach and director of football in October 2024.