Alexi Lalas explains why USMNT should avoid hiring foreign coach ahead of 2026 World Cup following Gregg Berhalter departure

The hunt is on for the next USMNT manager following Gregg Berhalter's departure after a disappointing Copa America campaign. A host of names have already been mentioned including several high-profile foreign coaches such as Jurgen Klopp, Rafa Benitez,Patrick Vieira,Thierry Henry and Mauricio Pochettino.

The U.S. now face a crucial decision with their new manager set to lead the team at a home World Cup in 2026. An appointment is expected by September when the USMNT are due to play friendlies against New Zealand and Canada. Lalas has shared his thoughts on the situation and feels a homegrown manager is the best way forward for the Stars and Stripes.

Lalas said on his State of the Union Podcast: "Would I be sceptical if it was a foreign coach? Not necessarily sceptical. Would I prefer it was someone who had a background in what American soccer is, and more importantly, what America soccer isn’t? Probably, if I’m honest. It’s not that another person can’t have success. This is not just a World Cup - it’s a World Cup in the United States. If we truly have grown in the 32 years since the 1994 World Cup, we should have grown on and off the field so that there would be coaches who would be able to lead us and lead us to success."

Klopp has already turned down an approach by the USMNT, while Vieira has left his post at Strasbourg and is thought to have held talks regarding succeeding Berhalter. LAFC's Steve Cherundolo and Columbus Crew's Wilfried Nancy are two domestic names also believed to be in the running as U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker continues to mull over his options.