Zinedine Zidane reportedly turning down USMNT approach could be a

Gregg Berhalter’s future as the head coach of the United States men’s national team is in flux, especially after the U.S. Soccer Federation launched an investigation into “potential inappropriate behavior towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organization.”

In a press conference last week, sporting director Earnie Stewart confirmed that a performance review is underway and that Berhalter is still a candidate, barring the results of the independent investigation. But it seems like the federation is also doing their due diligence by reaching out to available candidates. Zinedine Zidane is the latest example as his camp was contacted by a USMNT representative, according to French publication L’Equipe on Saturday. 

While that contact may not have included a concrete offer and feels more like a check-in than anything, it does show that the powers that be at USSF are at least kicking the tires on what options are available to them with big expectations as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. 

Zidane’s name is in the news because on Saturday, the French national team extended the contract of Didier Deschamps into the 2026 World Cup. The French…