Soccer Monday: Berhalter's future, Canada's Copa run and Euros semis set
Kick the week off with all the news from this past weekend
Good morning and happy Monday!
The knockout stages of both the Euros and Copa America was highlighted by extra time and penalty kicks. In fact, the quarterfinals of both tournaments brought with it the type of excitement that comes with games that can’t end in a draw.
Here’s a look at this past weekend and how it will impact the coming week:
3. Berhalter’s fate as USMNT coach to be decided this week
Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as U.S. coach could be coming to an end this week.
Sources told Fox Sports that a decision could come in the coming days after the USMNT crashed out of the Copa America group stage following defeats to Panama and in a decisive match against Uruguay.
One source with knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors told ESPN that support for Berhalter had eroded in recent days and “more negative than ever before.”
In a statement, U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director Matt Crocker said that the federation would conduct “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.”
The United States will co-host the upcoming World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
2. Canada’s surprise Copa America run
While the United States couldn’t get past the group stage at the Copa America, neighbors Canada have proven to be the surprise side of the tournament by reaching the semifinals.
For Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch, this tournament has proven to be, in the words of ESPN., something of a redemption arc for him. In fact, for both Canada and Marsch, who was hired only in May, this run has injected a dose of optimism into the program.
This is all tough for U.S. fans to see. Marsch’s charisma, leadership and style could have worked great for the U.S., but he was turned down for the job last summer when the U.S. elected to rehire Berhalter.
“I’m not going to go into it, but I wasn't treated very well in the process," Marsch told the CBS podcast “Call it What You Want.” “And so, whatever man, that’s in the past now. … It motivated me again to find the right people.”
Canada plays defending Copa America champion Argentina on Tuesday. In the other semifinal on Wednesday, Uruguay will take on Colombia. The final is slated for July 14.
1. Euros semifinals set
Like the Copa America, the European Championship also reached its semifinal stage.
The last few days produced four great quarterfinal matches — two of which went to shootouts (France over Portugal and England over Switzerland) and another decided in extra time (Spain over hosts Germany).
Spain faces France on Tuesday, while England squares off against the Netherlands the following day.
France and England, the two pre-tournament favorites, remain on a collision course to meet in the July 14 final.
Nonetheless, France have the distinction of reaching the semifinals without ever scoring a goal from open play at these Euros. England, meanwhile, was able to win a shootout, but have not played in a convincing manner. Nonetheless, the team had Prince William pumping his fist with enthusiasm.
In other news: Girona and Nice were cleared — along with English teams Manchester City and United — by UEFA to play in European competitions next season after they complied with multi-club ownership rules. The first chamber of the UEFA club financial control body had previously opened proceedings against all four clubs due to a potential conflict with the multi-club ownership rule for UEFA club competitions. … After advancing further than ever in World Cup qualifying, the Palestinian soccer team is determined to host a game for a change. Officials have proposed playing games in the third stage of its Asian qualification campaign in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and already has support from a number of its opponents, starting against Jordan on Sept. 10. … Gyasi Zardes recorded two goals in Austin FC’s 2-1 win against New York City FC on Saturday night. With his Matchday 25 brace at Q2 Stadium, the former U.S. striker now sits 10th in the MLS all-time goals chart with 105.