Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp may be tempted by the United States men's national team role should U.S. Soccer part ways with current head coach Gregg Berhalter .
U.S. Soccer is currently conducting a "comprehensive review" of the USMNT's performance at Copa America after the team failed to make it out of the group stages. A 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on Monday eliminated the USMNT from the competition, following a shock 2-1 defeat against Panama on June 27.
Some fans have called for Berhalter to be fired, just 12 months after the coach was re-hired by U.S. Soccer and trusted with leading the team through the 2026 World Cup cycle. These USMNT supporters are demanding Berhalter is replaced by an elite coach who won't waste a talented roster, with Pep Guardiola and Klopp being mentioned as ambitious candidates.
Klopp is currently on a break from coaching after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season and is yet to decide his future. However, according to a Q&A reply in The Athletic earlier this year, the USMNT job is one that the German would consider.
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After nine years at Liverpool, Klopp called time on his legacy at Anfield and admitted he doesn't have the energy to continue at the same pace. "It's out of the question that I'll stop working altogether," Klopp told the Willipedia podcast after leaving Liverpool. "But I don't see myself continuing at the same pace as before at the moment."
This admission from Klopp has led fans to speculate he could be waiting for the ideal national role to present itself, and according to The Athletic's Simon Hughes, only two nations are attractive. "The only national job he'd take would be Germany. Or maybe, USA," Hughes said during a Q&A.
With the Germany national team currently performing well under coach Julian Nagelsmann, it's unlikely they would make a change. But should U.S. Soccer fire Berhalter then Klopp could be brought in on a short-term contract, and his ability to develop young players would make him a dream hire.
Berhalter is aware of the pressure and media speculation, and following Monday's exit from Copa America, he was asked if he's still the right man to lead the USMNT. Berhalter bluntly replied "Yes" before admitting performances hadn't been up to the required standard.
The decision now rests with U.S. Soccer as they've been preparing for the 2026 World Cup over the past decade, with the tournament being co-hosted in the United States. U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker was the man who re-hired Berhalter, and he's since released a statement following the Copa America disaster.
"Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better," Crocker said in a statement. "We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup."
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