Career Timeline of Gregg Berhalter: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Gregg Berhalter built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gregg Berhalter is an American soccer coach and former player. He currently serves as the head coach and director of football for the Chicago Fire. He previously coached the United States men's national soccer team from 2018-2023 and again in 2023-2024, making him the first person to participate in the FIFA World Cup as both a player and head coach for the U.S. During his time as national coach, he focused on incorporating younger players into the team's roster.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Played for Raleigh Flyers

In 1993, Gregg Berhalter played for the Raleigh Flyers of the USISL during the collegiate off season.

October 15, 1994: First Cap for U.S. National Team

On October 15, 1994, Gregg Berhalter earned his first cap for the U.S. national team in a match against Saudi Arabia.

1994: Signed with Dutch Club Zwolle

In 1994, Gregg Berhalter left UNC after his junior year and signed with Dutch club Zwolle.

1995: Played at the Copa América

In 1995, Gregg Berhalter played at the Copa América.

1999: Played at the FIFA Confederations Cup

In 1999, Gregg Berhalter played at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

2002: Played at the 2002 World Cup

In 2002, Gregg Berhalter played a significant role for the U.S. at the World Cup, starting the last two games against Mexico and Germany.

2002: Signed with Energie Cottbus

In 2002, Gregg Berhalter signed with Energie Cottbus of the German Bundesliga, making 111 league appearances and captaining the team to a promotion.

May 25, 2006: Added to US National Team Roster

On May 25, 2006, Gregg Berhalter was added to the U.S. national team's roster for the 2006 World Cup, replacing the injured Cory Gibbs.

2006: Signed with 1860 Munich

In 2006, Gregg Berhalter signed with 1860 Munich of the 2. Bundesliga and was named captain of the team, making 73 league appearances.

April 3, 2009: Revealed as Los Angeles Galaxy Player

On April 3, 2009, Gregg Berhalter was revealed as a Los Angeles Galaxy player.

April 2009: Moved Back to the United States

In April 2009, Gregg Berhalter moved back to the United States after a 15-year career in Europe and signed a contract with Major League Soccer.

November 14, 2009: Scored Goal in Western Conference Final

On November 14, 2009, Gregg Berhalter scored in the 103rd minute of the scoreless Western Conference final, propelling the Galaxy to a 2–0 win over the Houston Dynamo and into the 2009 MLS Cup. It was his first goal in 28 appearances with the club.

October 12, 2011: Announced Retirement

On October 12, 2011, Gregg Berhalter announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2011 MLS season.

December 12, 2011: Named Head Coach for Hammarby

On December 12, 2011, Gregg Berhalter was named head coach for Swedish club Hammarby, becoming the first American-born manager to manage a professional team in Europe.

July 24, 2013: Fired from Hammarby

On July 24, 2013, Gregg Berhalter was fired from Hammarby for a "lack of attacking play".

November 6, 2013: Became Sporting Director and Head Coach of Columbus Crew

On November 6, 2013, Gregg Berhalter became the sporting director and head coach of Columbus Crew.

2014: Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs

In 2014, Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs.

2015: Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs

In 2015, Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs. They reached the MLS Cup 2015 but lost at home 2–1 to the Portland Timbers.

2017: Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs

In 2017, Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs.

December 2, 2018: Named Head Coach of USMNT

On December 2, 2018, Gregg Berhalter was named the head coach of the United States national team (USMNT).

2018: Start of first USMNT coaching stint

In 2018, Gregg Berhalter began his first stint as the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team.

2018: Appointed Head Coach of USMNT

In 2018, Gregg Berhalter began his tenure as the head coach of the United States men's national soccer team.

2018: Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs

In 2018, Under Berhalter, Columbus Crew qualified for the playoffs.

January 27, 2019: First Victory as USMNT Coach

On January 27, 2019, Gregg Berhalter earned his first victory as coach in a friendly match against Panama.

June 2021: Won Nations League Title

In June 2021, Gregg Berhalter coached the United States to win the inaugural Nations League title against Mexico.

August 1, 2021: Won CONCACAF Gold Cup

On August 1, 2021, Gregg Berhalter led the United States to a 1–0 victory over Mexico at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

November 12, 2021: Victory over Mexico in World Cup Qualifying

On November 12, 2021, Gregg Berhalter led the United States to a 2–0 victory over rival Mexico in World Cup Qualifying at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2022: Reached Round of 16 in FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Gregg Berhalter led the United States to qualify for and reach the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup.

2022: Expiration of USMNT Contract

In 2022, Gregg Berhalter's contract with the United States men's national team expired, leading to interim head coaches before his rehire.

December 31, 2022: Contract with USMNT Expired

On December 31, 2022, Gregg Berhalter's contract with USMNT expired and Anthony Hudson was named interim head coach.

May 2023: Hudson Left USMNT

In May 2023, Anthony Hudson left the USMNT to become the head coach of Al-Markhiya in Qatar, and was replaced by B.J. Callaghan.

June 16, 2023: Rehired as USMNT Head Coach

On June 16, 2023, Gregg Berhalter was rehired as the head coach for the United States men's national team.

2023: End of USMNT coaching tenure

In 2023, Gregg Berhalter's tenure as head coach of the United States men's national soccer team concluded.

July 10, 2024: Relieved of USMNT Head Coach Duties

On July 10, 2024, Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his duties as the US men's national team head coach after the early exit in the 2024 Copa America group stage.

October 8, 2024: Named Head Coach and Director of Football for Chicago Fire

On October 8, 2024, Gregg Berhalter was named head coach and director of football for MLS club Chicago Fire FC.

2024: Named Head Coach and Director of Football for Chicago Fire

In 2024, Gregg Berhalter assumed the role of head coach and director of football for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire following the end of the season.

2024: End of tenure with USMNT

In 2024, Gregg Berhalter's second tenure with United States men's national team ended after early elimination in the Copa América group stage.

2025: Start date with Chicago Fire FC

In 2025, Gregg Berhalter will take on the position of Head Coach and Director of Football for the Chicago Fire FC.

2026: Preparation for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Gregg Berhalter's strategy as coach of the USMNT involves developing a pool of young soccer talent in the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.