Did United States soccer coach Gregg Berhalter make his last stand in Kansas City?

The United States Men’s National Team’s failure to get out of the group stage of the 2024 Copa America has turned up the pressure, both internally and externally, on manager Gregg Berhalter’s job security.

In the aftermath of the tournament — the United States’ run concluded with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay — U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker issued a statement acknowledging the disappointing performance and what comes next.

“Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better. We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look toward the 2026 World Cup,” Crocker said.

Berhalter took over the reigns of the U.S. team in 2018 and led the current crop of players after the team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The team qualified and competed at the 2022 World Cup with the youngest team in the tournament.

The United States Soccer Federation conducted a review and multiple interviews after the 2022 World Cup and ultimately rehired Berhalter after the 2023 Nations League tournament.

Outside pressure to move on from Berhalter certainly increased after the 2022 World Cup — the U.S. lost in the knockout rounds to the Netherlands — and is only louder now after the failure to get out of a Copa America group that included Bolivia and Panama.

The U.S. (No. 11) held the highest FIFA World Rankings spot of the group, followed by Uruguay (No. 14), Panama (No. 43) and Bolivia (No. 84).

Berhalter was asked if he felt he’d done enough to continue in his role as manager of the men’s national team. He pointed to the post-tournament review.

“We’re all gonna do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “I think collectively the staff, the players, sporting departments, we need to look at where we improve ... how we do better.”

Asked point blank if he feels he should continue as manager, Berhalter responded, “Yes.”

After the match, players defended their manager. Midfielder Weston McKennie said players would “run through a brick wall” for Berhalter.

“He’s progressed the team very far from when we started four or five years ago,” McKennie said. “I think the connection that we have with him is what’s important. ... Players listen to him.”

Midfielder Tyler Adams put the onus back on the players. He said the players need to embrace the pressure that surrounds the current generation.

“The only reason there’s pressure on this group to do anything is ‘cause everyone sees the potential in the group,” Adams said. “That’s a good thing. ... Everyone needs to learn to embrace that and be able to show up in pressure situations.”

Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.