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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 06: United States head coach Gregg Berhakter at the end the first half of the International Friendly soccer game between the the United States and Mexico on September 6, 2019 at LetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 06: United States head coach Gregg Berhakter at the end the first half of the International Friendly soccer game between the the United States and Mexico on September 6, 2019 at LetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The World Cup in Qatar gets closer every single day. The USMNT have qualified for the competition after missing out on it in 2018. As a result, Gregg Berhalter and his team will ensure that they make the best of this opportunity to represent their country.
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Before the tournament starts, the USMNT have a few problems to solve. They don’t have a fixed striker, or a reliable goalkeeper, and as a result, the next few months will be vital for the USMNT’s future.
However, it’s not just the World Cup in Qatar that Gregg Berhalter has to keep an eye on, as the USA is going to host the next edition of the tournament in 2026.
The USMNT is focusing on the World Cup in 2022
Speaking about the prospect of the 2026 World Cup with ESPN’s Gab Marcotti, Berhalter revealed that this World Cup will serve as preparation for the next one. However, he did add that the USMNT will focus on this tournament.
Placed in a group with England, Iran and Wales, the USMNT are expected to make it out of the group stage. Berhalter knows that, and added that his team is focusing on the task at hand.
“It’s definitely preparation for 2026. But like anything, you need to focus on the next step you’re taking; you can’t get ahead of yourself. So for us, there’s a deep focus on 2022. We want to stay in the moment and focus on the task ahead,” Berhalter said.
Gregg Berhalter wants to grow the game in the USA
He went on to talk about the importance of the USMNT’s performance in the World Cup. Berhalter revealed that he wanted to grow the game in the USA adding that if the team’s players perform well in Qatar, they’ll become heroes to the American people.
“I think it’s our obligation as national team coaches and players to help grow the game in the United States. And if we can create heroes of our players and we can inspire kids to play the game, we’ve done our job,” he added.