Now, Matt Crocker must utilize the wealth of experience that USSF touted to the public to find a candidate capable of sparking momentum in a challenging program and guiding the USMNT to success at the 2026 World Cup.

Finding the right fit won’t be easy. Many top-class A managers won’t emulate Marcelo Bielsa’s extensive research on the country and players before taking over Chile like he did in the 2010 cycle. Instead, they’ll expect US Soccer to approach them, likely demanding high salaries and offering vague commitments of advancement. Below are three realistic names who could helm the USMNT:

Marcelo Gallardo – The Proven Winner Hire

The Argentine manager boasts an impressive CV, starting with his stint at Nacional of Uruguay right after retiring as a player. Despite initial challenges, he clinched the Uruguayan league title, maximized player potential, and revived Alvaro Recoba’s career.

Gallardo then etched his name in River Plate’s history books during his eight-year tenure, excelling in high-stakes matches and securing the Copa Libertadores against Boca Juniors. In total he won 14 titles at the club.

His Saudi Arabian venture soured after criticizing Karim Benzema’s commitment, highlighting his uncompromising approach. Gallardo excels in deploying versatile formations, ideally suited for the USMNT’s needs, emphasizing rapid forward passes and defensive resilience.

Renowned for his bold tactics and proactive strategies, Gallardo fosters team unity and tactical flexibility, essential for success in both domestic and continental competitions.

Wilfried Nancy – The MLS Hire

Wilfried Nancy emerges as a strong contender for his proven ability to manage American players, demonstrated during his tenure with the Columbus Crew.

Nancy’s adept management led to an MLS Cup victory, a CCL final appearance, and a reputation for attractive soccer. Unbound by traditional US Soccer norms, Nancy, a foreign coach honed in MLS, remains a coveted figure, having fielded offers from Europe.

His pragmatic coaching style prioritizes structured defense, tactical precision, and cohesive teamwork, optimizing efficiency in both defensive solidity and offensive prowess.

Hervé Renard – The Fan Favorite Hire

American soccer enthusiasts often gravitate toward Hervé Renard, drawn by his African successes despite mixed results elsewhere. His potential appointment on the cusp of the 2026 World Cup could prove transformative for USMNT.

Renard champions a charismatic and motivational coaching style, emphasizing defensive organization, discipline, and mental resilience. His teams excel in defensive structure, adeptly countering opponents and leveraging set-piece strategies and winger tactics to exploit weaknesses.

Renard’s track record includes multiple African Cup of Nations triumphs, underscoring his tactical acumen and inspirational leadership.

While his coaching career has seen highs and lows, Renard represents a bold, albeit risky, choice with the potential for long-term impact and commitment beyond 2026 if successful.

Gregg Berhalter’s overall record as coach of the USMNT is 44-17-13. On paper, that’s not bad. The problem arises when you dissect it further. While Gregg Berhalter did win three continental titles with the USMNT, the biggest one, the Copa America, was an utter disaster as his team struggled more and more to generate chances as the tournament progressed.

If Gregg Berhalter is indeed fired, who can step in and take over the national team? It’s a question that can be answered by some of the names currently circulating.

Pellegrino Matarazzo

Pellegrino Matarazzo, a New Jersey native, is currently on his third coaching job in Germany. It’s admirable for an American to have been given three chances to coach in Germany, but despite a bunker-ball style and experience in relegation fights, Pellegrino Matarazzo hasn’t really proven himself in coaching big matches at major competitions. His contract with TSG Hoffenheim, where he has a record of 20-23-9, ends in June 2025.

David Wagner

Former dual-national David Wagner has been primarily based in England. His tenure at Huddersfield Town was considered his best work, earning promotion to the Premier League. Wagner’s last coaching stint was with Norwich City, where he was sacked after failing to secure Premier League promotion. Wagner’s overall managerial record is 170-182-121.

Wilfried Nancy

In just four years in MLS, Wilfried Nancy has become one of the league’s top coaches. Nancy helped turn CF Montréal around despite ownership issues, but it was with the Columbus Crew where he made his mark, particularly for his tactical acumen, a rarity in MLS. Nancy has won one Canadian Championship and one MLS Cup, and led the Crew to a CONCACAF Champions League final, defeating teams like Tigres and Monterrey.

Jim Curtin

The long-standing head coach of the Philadelphia Union knows the American soccer landscape inside out, having worked with many USMNT players and reaching the MLS Cup in 2022. However, Curtin has yet to translate his strong regular season performances and talent development into championships.

Marcelo Gallardo (out of the park hire)

The Argentine coach is currently available after parting ways with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. It was Gallardo’s toughest stint as a manager; prior to that, he led River Plate to 14 championships and secured his first coaching title with Nacional in Uruguay. Gallardo has been named South American Manager of the Year three times (2018, 2019, 2020).

Why would Gallardo consider the USMNT job? His son plays for Atlanta United’s reserve team, and despite his success in South America, major European clubs have not come calling.

With just two years to prepare the USMNT for the World Cup, Gallardo’s expertise in knockout competitions could propel the team to significant success, fulfilling his ambition to achieve a European football destination after the World Cup.

According to Marca, Karim Benzema stormed off the training pitch on Tuesday when the Argentine manager, knowing that the former Real Madrid striker did not have a proper mid-season regimen, requested that Benzema work away from the team to get in shape.

This did not go over well with Benzema who became visibly angry and walked off the training area according to Marca. As a result, Gallardo did not add him to the game day squad for their match against Al Ta’ee.

Gallardo on hot seat?

It has been reported that Marcelo Gallardo’s time in Saudi Arabia could be short lived, given his shaky relationship with Karim Benzema, who reportedly wants out of Al Ittihad, but is willing to stay in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite some rumblings of a return to Europe, Benzema has committed his future to the Saudi Pro League but not his current team, where things have taken a turn for the worse between the star player and the manager.

Gallardo is known for laying down ground rules, it has been the pillars of his success as a manger, first in Nacional, where after a tough defeat, Gallardo had a stern talk with the team in the dressing room and Nacional went on to win the Uruguayan title.

At River Plate, Gallardo used his experiences at Nacional as a way to make sure River Plate would be run as “a top European club”. There were no star players but rather a huge team mentality, which would result in 14 major championships.

Currently on a three-game losing streak with Al Ittihad, another defeat may mean the end for Gallardo at the club.

Gallardo, who had turned down offers to coach in MLS, Brazil, some European teams, and Mexico had his eye in Europe, and a long-term project, but after failing to land a European club, the former River Plate legend jumped on the chance to coach Al-Ittihad, who has the Club World Cup in December and could give Gallardo more exposure.

According to TyC Sports, Gallardo will sign a year and a half deal with Al-Ittihad, who are fifth in the Saudi Pro League, and has Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe, and Abderrazak Hamdallah on the roster.

Why did Marcelo Gallardo not land in Europe?

After nine successful seasons coaching River Plate, Gallardo won 14 titles and compiled a 251-85-111 record. Gallardo won two Copa Libertadores, one of which was by defeating Boca Juniors, and was runner up at the Club World Cup in 2015. Gallardo also won a title with Nacional of Uruguay, his first coaching experience.

Despite all his fame and accomplishments, Gallardo was seen as a “gamble” to many teams in Europe. Today many sporting directors are not willing to take a chance on a “unknown” commodity like Gallardo. Despite being linked to PSG, Monaco, Leeds, Valencia, Sevilla, and Everton, Gallardo turned down many job opportunities and never got past the finish line in others.

Marcelo Gallardo’s career

As a player, Gallardo played for River Plate, Monaco, PSG, DC United, and Nacional of Uruguay. He won titles at all of the clubs he played for. At the national team level, Gallardo played in two World Cups for Argentina in 1998 and 2002.

As a manager along with his championships he was South American manager of the year on three occasions, Copa Libertadores manager of the season twice, and is considered one of the best Argentine managers at the moment.

Not to mention the fallout between the supporters and Lionel Messi, on top of that Neymar and Kylian Mbappé also seem to have their futures planned away from PSG.

According to Telemundo’s Veronica Brunati, PSG has their eyes on two coaches currently out of work, former Spain boss Luis Enrique and former PSG player and River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo.

Next coach for PSG?

According to Veronica Brunati, Luis Campos has already reached out to Gallardo’s camp to see the possibility of him coaching. Gallardo left River Plate at the end of last season after winning 14 titles with the famed Argentine club. Gallardo is reported as wanting his next step to be in Europe after winning titles with Nacional of Uruguay and River at the helm.

PSG’s reported first choice is Luis Enrique who had a dismal World Cup with Spain but PSG would be a good bounce back platform for the former Barcelona boss.

Paris Saint-Germain may be leaders of the Ligue 1 standings, but the domestic competition stopped being a measuring stick a long time ago. The club is craving for continental success, and anything short of that will not please the front office.

Therefore, Galtier’s future is reportedly hanging by a thread. Thomas Tuchel and Zinedine Zidane were mentioned as potential targets, but Argentine manager Marcelo Gallardo could be a more likely option if the position is open.

Why Marcelo Gallardo could replace Galtier instead of Tuchel or Zidane

At first sight, Tuchel or Zidane would make more sense since they have plenty of experience in Europe— something Gallardo doesn’t. However, neither the German coach nor the French legend may be interested in the job.

Tuchel would tick many boxes for PSG, but why would he return to the club that fired him halfway through the 2020-21 season, just months after taking them to their first ever Champions League final? Of course, he would have an interesting squad to build on and an incredible budget. But considering how he was treated by the owners just a few years ago, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tuchel prefers to wait for an opportunity elsewhere.

Zidane, meanwhile, would obviously bring the Champions League experience PSG are looking for. But Zizou already had the chance to take over in the summer, and he didn’t. It’s true that Didier Deschamps hadn’t extended his contract with France by then, and now the national team is no longer an option (at least in the foreseeable). Still, Zidane didn’t seem to be as interested as PSGin this match.

Gallardo, on the other hand, wouldn’t even doubt it. After an extremely successful stint with Argentine giants River Plate, the Argentine coach looks ready to take his managerial career to the next level. He was linked to Leeds United in January, but he might be looking for something bigger.

Gallardo’s history in France

As a foreign coach with no coaching experience in Europe, Gallardowould obviously have a lot to prove at PSG. But he does know the Ligue 1 from his playing days, having spent three seasons at Monaco from 2000 to 2003. On top of that, Gallardo wore the PSG uniform in the 2007-08. So, he’s not a complete stranger.

Gallardo’s impressive résumé

He does have international pedigree, as he lead River to six continental titles— including two Conmebol Libertadores. His soccer philosophycould also make him a great fit for the PSG job. His River displayed an offensive style of play, but didn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to win— especially on the international stage. That aggressive mindset and intelligence to understand when to attack or drop back made his side one of the most fearsome in South America.

Besides, Gallardo has shown an ability to blend veteran talent with promising youngsters. Under his tutelage, the likes of Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez were able to take their careers to the next level.

Gallardo would probably have the blessing of Lionel Messi, though it’s not a secret that Kylian Mbappe could also have a lot of weight in such a big decision. The lack of coaching experience in Europe is definitely the biggest possible concern around Gallardo. Otherwise, it wouldn’t even be a question. But if big names like Tuchel or Zidane are ruled out, it would make sense if PSG go after him before another European club does.

Gallardo replaced Arsène Wenger as the manager for the game and he was announced by Turki Al Sheikh, Minister and the current Chairman of General Authority for Entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Gallardo was also a PSG player back in 2006/2007 prior to his move to DC United of MLS.

Gallardo will coach a former player, Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez, and will also have under his command the Brazilians Luiz Gustavo, Talisca and Matheus Pereira, Peruvian André Carrillo and Moussa Marega from Mali. Here is a brief review of the career of Marcelo Gallardo.

Who is Marcelo Gallardo?

Marcelo Gallardo was a creative midfielder who played for River Plate in Argentina, Monaco and PSG in France, DC United in MLS, and later ended his career at Nacional of Uruguay. Gallardo had a decorated career scoring 102 goals in 494 games and winning at least one title for every team he ever played for.

Gallardo was also capped 44 times for Argentina playing in the 1998 and 2002 World Cup’s for the Albiceleste.

After he retired in 2010, Gallardo took up coaching winning a Uruguayan championship with Nacional in his first ever coaching experience. After learning his trade for two years he took the job as manager of River Plate, where Gallardo would become the most decorated manager in the club’s history.

Gallardo won a total of 14 titles from 2014 – 2022, winning two Copa Libertadores, one of them beating archrivals Boca Juniors in the final. Gallardo’s playing styles have altered over the years, showing his ability to adapt to his squad, from a quick counter attacking style to a more passing based game. Gallardo has a career 54% winning percentage and has recorded an admirable 251-94-118 record.

Under Gallardo’s watch he has coached future star players at River Plate in Manuel Lanzini, Carlos Sánchez, Ramiro Funes Mori, Gabriel Mercado, Germán Pezzella, Lucas Alario, Rafael Santos Borré, Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez.

From 2014-2022 Gallardo would win an unprecedented 14 championships with the club he debuted as a player in 1993. Among those 14 titles were countless victories over archrival Boca Juniors, none bigger than defeating them for the 2018 Copa Libertadores. Considered by many to have been one of the most influential managers in South American soccer history, Gallardo leaves River Plate a much bigger club than when he found it.

Aside from the titles, Gallardo built a foundation of professionalism, team first mentality, training intensity, and proper codes of conduct often missing from teams in Argentina nowadays. With Gallardo ending his run as River manager the club must look elsewhere to fill the biggest shoes in River Plate’s history.

Possible replacements for Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate

Upon Gallardo’s announcement that he’d step down from River Plate at the end of the current season, important pundits, and media sources like Diario Ole have already reported who might be on River Plate’s shortlist.

The first major name is Pablo Aimar, currently an assistant on the Argentine national team. Like Gallardo Aimar was an elegant midfielder and an exceptional professional, his results with the Argentine youth sides have been positive and he could be swayed to leave the Argentine side for this once in a lifetime chance.

Former River Plate and Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis is also on the list as well. Demichelis is currently working with Bayern Munich’s youth side and has expressed interest in returning to coach River Plate.

Another elegant former winger Santiago Solari could also step in, unlike Aimar and Demichelis, Solari has already coached at the highest levels as an interim coach at Real Madrid and was the first team coach of America in Mexico.

Other names that could step in are Ricardo Gareca former national team coach of Peru and to a lesser extent Alexander Medina, who has had a poor season at Velez Sarsfield.

Gallardo, who took charge of River at 38 following a successful first managerial experience at Uruguayan giants Nacional, has quickly given his team an attractive style of play and went on to win continental and domestic titles.

But besides all the trophies he delivered, Gallardo has restored pride at the Monumental by strengthening River Plate in the Superclasico meetings against Boca, the eternal rivals who have frequently had the upper hand until Gallardo arrived. Let’s take a look athowthe Millonario manager has fared in the derbies.

Superclasico: The record of Marcelo Gallardo asRiver Plate bossagainst Boca Juniors

The 2018 Copa Libertadores triumph will likely stand as the pinnacle of his coaching career at Nuñez, as River Plate took down the arch-rivals in a final for the ages at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, River grabbedmany memorable wins over Boca Juniors under Gallardo, besides that continental showdown. Overall, Marcelo Gallardo has a winning record as the River Plate boss against Boca: eight victories, 11 draws, and sixdefeats. This recordconsiders official matches across all competitions. But if we break it down into domestic and continental matches, the numbers reflect different results.

Marcelo Gallardos’ record as River Plate coachvs Boca: supremacy in the continental stage

River Plate’s dominance in the Superclasico since Gallardo took over became especially clear in the Conmebol tournaments. Besides the 2018 Libertadores final, El Muñeco got the upper hand over Boca inother occasions.

In his first season in charge, River knocked Boca out of the 2014 Copa Sudamericana semifinals to eventually win their first title under Gallardo. A year later, El Millonario eliminated El Xeneize from the Libertadores round of 16 in a series that didn’t lack in controversy. As inthe previous year, River would also lift the trophy. The 2019 Copa Libertadores semifinals would see River and Boca face each other again and Gallardo’s men advanced this timetoo before they lost to Flamengo. This is Gallardo’s record in the Superclasicos for Conmebol competitions: W5, D2, L1.

Marcelo Gallardo’s record as River coach vs Boca at the domestic level

Things were more even at the domestic level: four wins, eight draws, and fivedefeats. One of those victories, however, came in the 2018 Argentine Supercup months before River beat Boca again in the Libertadores final. Last year, Gallardo won his first league derby at home afterpreviously losing three times at the Monumental. Will he add another victory to his record this weekend?

Sport reported the news just a few hours after Los Cules lost their third game of the 2021-22 La Liga, failing to bounce back from a painful loss to Real Madrid last weekend in El Clasico. But it was just a matter of time before this happened, as the Dutchman has been under heavy fire for months.

Barcelona never got back on track under Koeman, as they were thrashed in theUEFA Champions League last season and also at the beginning of the new campaign. Now, his time is over, and Joan Laporta may go after these managers, according to Sport.

Xavi Hernandez

A club icon, Xavi Hernandez has spent a lifetime at Camp Nou having emerged from the academy and living an extremely successful era in the Blaugrana uniform. The former Spain international is under contract with Qatari side Al Sadd until 2023. He no longer has a release clause to leave for Barca, but his club may let him leave anyway.

Marcelo Gallardo

The successful River Plate manager seems ready to take a step forward in his managerial career and embark on a new adventure in Europe. Marcelo Gallardo has built an unstoppable force in South America with an offensive style of play, so he would fit well in Barcelona.

Roberto Martinez

The Belgium national team manager has alsobeen linked with the position at Barcelona. Roberto Martinez is under contract until June 2022, which is why he could accept this challenge. Besides, after five years ininternational soccer, he may want to get back to club competition.

All of a sudden, 15 playerswere forced off the Argentine League Cup match leaving Marcelo Gallardo short of options for such a crucial game. Not only their key goalkeeper, Franco Armani, was among that list, but all of his backups too. The reserve substitutekeeper Leo Díaz stepped up and pulled offan outstanding first-team debut against all odds, but right nowhe isn’t allowed by Conmebol to play on Wednesday.

When things didn’t seem to be possibly worse, not onlyRiver wouldn’t be able to play with an outright keeper but they might not even show up inColombia with eleven players on the field. Five more players tested positive after the game with Boca: Leonardo Ponzio, Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Beltrán, Alex Vigo, and Flabian Londoño.

River Plate under a challenging situation

How is it possible that River Plate may end up facing Santa Fe with nogoalkeeper or even with less than eleven men? Both things have to do with three factors. First and obvious, the Covid-19had an impact on several players in a couple of days, leaving the team shorthanded.

That unexpected blow hit the goalkeeper position, where El Millonario didn’t lack in depth, but all their three professional goalies (Franco Armani, Germán Lux, and Enrique Bologna) and the reserve starter (Franco Petroli) tested positive. Leo Díaz, who hadn’t even made his debut at the reserve before putting on the gloves against Boca, would beavailablefor Gallardo, but he isn’t in the Libertadores shortlist and his appearance on Wednesday depends on Conmebol’s decision of enabling him to play or not.

And that’s when it’srememberedGallardo’s controversial call of naming only 32 players for the tournament instead of 50, which was the maximum allowed by the South American soccer governing body. Conmebol decided to give teams the option of submitting such amount of names to prevent situations like the one River is living in now.

With 20 players ruled out by Covid, River are in serious trouble before facing Santa Fe. Moreover, Enzo Pérez might not be atfull fitness and Felipe Peña Biafore‘s brother tested positive. Without these two, El Millonario would only have nine available playersfor Wednesday’s match.

Jonatan Maidana,Héctor Martínez, Fabrizio Angileri, Milton Casco, Jorge Carrascal, Agustín Fontana, José Paradela, Julián Alvarez, andTomás Lecanda would be the only ones allowed toface Santa Fe. The tournament’s rules state that a team can show up with at leastseven players, if not they lose the points. Will we see the awkward scenes of River playing a big Libertadores night with only nine men on the field?