New York, July 11 (V7N) - The USA has dismissed head coach Gregg Berhalter following their exit from the Copa America group stage.

This month, the USA became the first host nation to be eliminated from the group phase after suffering defeats to Panama and Uruguay.

"We are deeply grateful to Gregg for his commitment over the past five years to the men’s national team and to US soccer," said United States Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker. "Gregg has earned the respect of everyone within our organization and has played a pivotal role in bringing together a young team and advancing the program."

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the vacant managerial position, and Crocker confirmed that the "search process" has commenced.

The USA will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

Berhalter, 50, had two stints in charge of the national team. His first tenure ended in 2022 following an investigation into his past conduct, during which he admitted to kicking his wife when they were teenagers. US Soccer investigated and found "no legal impediment to employing him."

During his first spell, the USA reached the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the Concacaf Nations League Gold Cup in 2021. However, his second spell lasted only 14 games.

Following the 1-0 defeat by Uruguay, Berhalter insisted he was the right person to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup.

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