American Outlaws, the largest support group for United States soccer, has joined the growing list of names calling for United States men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter’s ousting. The organization released a statement two days after the United States was knocked out of Copa América in group play, saying it believed the squad failed to live up to expectations entering the tournament.
“We love our National Teams and will always show our support for them in the stands, in hundreds of communities across the country, and above all else, in our hearts,” the group said in a statement. “There needs to be accountability and a plan to move forward for the USMNT. It’s time to make a change in the head coaching position.”
The American Outlaws, a non-profit group with over 30,000 members spread over 200 local chapters worldwide, expressed concerns about Berhalter and the need for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to take action now with two years to go before the 2026 World Cup.
“As an organization, we have heard from our members and chapter leaders that the USMNT needs change. American soccer fandom is ready to reach levels we’ve never seen before, but we continue to miss opportunities,” the statement read.
The call for Berhalter’s removal was also echoed by Barra 76, the official support group of the US National Teams. In their statement, they expressed disappointment with the team’s performances under Berhalter and called for a new head coach to revitalize the national team’s strategy.
The United States’ lackluster performance in Copa América, with only three points in group play and a loss to Uruguay, highlighted the growing discontent among fans and support groups. Berhalter’s record against top-ranked teams outside of Mexico was also a cause for concern, with no wins in such matches.
The USSF announced a “comprehensive review” after the team fell short of expectations in the tournament, indicating that changes could be on the horizon for the USMNT. Berhalter initially became the USMNT’s manager in 2018 but was out of the job for nearly six months before being rehired in June 2023.
As the focus shifts towards the 2026 World Cup, support groups like American Outlaws and Barra 76 are urging swift action to address the team’s shortcomings and restore faith in US Soccer. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the future direction of the national team and its coaching staff.