It has been revealed that Pellegrino Matarazzo is in the running for the role of USMNT manager after Gregg Berhalter was fired following a disappointing Copa America exit.
Pellegrino Matarazzo Being Monitored by USSF
‘Talks Have Taken Place’
Florian Plettenberg has reported that Matarazzo is “one of the top favourites” to become the new manager of the USMNT, after Berhalter was sacked on July 10 following a group-stage exit from the 2024 Copa America.
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The 46-year-old has informed his current side, TSG Hoffenheim, of the interest as he is excited by the possibility of managing his nation at their home World Cup in 2026. There is no offer yet, but talks have taken place between the USSF and himself. Both parties seem keen on the possibility of Matarazzo’s appointment, though Hoffenheim won’t be, with a year left on his contract.
How Can Matarazzo Lead the USMNT to Success at World Cup 2026?
Matarazzo has had success in management since he began in 2019. In his first job at Stuttgart, he won promotion from 2. Bundesliga. In their first season returning to the top-flight, he managed them to an impressive 9th place. Appointed in February 2023 to TSG, he took the side from a relegation battle to a 12th place finish, before finishing 7th the following year to get European football.
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The coach prefers a style of “high pressing” which could particularly work at an international tournament like 2026 where teams are vulnerable to errors due to a lack of cohesion. This should also work in a side filled with quick, young talent like Folarin Balogun, Giovanni Reyna, and Christian Pulisic.
The USSF are clearly interested in a young coach with new ideas, as shown by their interest in Patrick Vieira, but it remains unseen who this will be.
