In the aftermath of Gregg Berhalter's departure, the U.S. men's soccer program is eager to make significant strides and fulfill their potential. The next coach must possess a vision that transcends past limitations and embraces a winning mentality. Berhalter's recent actions on the field have only highlighted the need for a fresh start.

During the U.S. men's national team's final group stage match in Copa América, Berhalter was caught informing his players about the score of a concurrent match between Panama and Bolivia. This display of distraction and lack of focus symbolized the larger issues that had plagued Berhalter's tenure as coach.

With less than two years remaining until the first men's World Cup on home soil in over three decades, the U.S. Soccer Federation is feeling the pressure to establish a clear direction and build momentum. The decision to reappoint Berhalter, despite their lackluster performance in the World Cup in Qatar, now seems ill-advised. The controversy surrounding allegations of abuse, reported by the wife of American legend Claudio Reyna, further tainted Berhalter's leadership.

The stakes for the American program in the upcoming World Cup are immense. Unlike the qualifying disaster in 2018, the U.S. team is guaranteed a berth as co-hosts. However, advancing out of the group stage has acquired a new level of significance, with the tournament expanding to 48 teams and the inclusion of eight best third-place teams in the knockout round.

There is no room for failure this time. The U.S. has an abundance of talented players, many of whom are honing their skills in top European leagues. The expectation is that the next coach will extract the maximum potential from this talented group, which has shown promise with five goals in their past five games.

Soccer has become firmly established in the U.S., with a growing interest and participation among fans. International matches, even those not involving the American side, draw large crowds in bars and captivate audiences at home. As the sport grows, so do the expectations for the U.S. men's national team to compete at a higher level.

The upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for the U.S. team to break out of their traditional boundaries and compete on par with the best teams in the world. However, to achieve this, the team needs a coach who is solely focused on the task at hand and can create a winning environment. While tactics tailored to the team's strengths are crucial, emphasizing the importance of winning their own game and disregarding external distractions is paramount.

The U.S. men's soccer program is eager for a fresh start and a coach who can guide them towards success in the coming World Cup. The search for a new leader who can elevate the team's performance, maximize talent, and embody the winning spirit has commenced. The future of the U.S. men's national team relies on making the right choice to propel them towards a new era of achievement on the international stage.