EP 36: ”Ranking the USMNT World Cup coaches”

On January 16, 2026 at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, SASH hosted a discussion ranking the US World Cup coaches.

Eighteen members and friends gathered to discuss and debate “Ranking the USMNT World Cup Coaches.” Board member, Michael Lewis, providing opening remarks, followed by Dr. David Kilpatrick, who explained the game and its rules for the session: ranking the ten USMNT head coaches of the eleven teams to appear in FIFA World Cup Finals, based entirely on matches played in World Cup Finals (not qualification, other competitions, friendly matches, or any other achievements in their coaching careers).

A brief summary of the USMNT performances in World Cup Finals was provided as everyone in attendance was encouraged to make their own list from best to worst. Lewis gave his rankings, emphasizing his personal take from covering forty years of World Cups as a journalist, followed Dr. Joe Machnik, who declined to provide a list, explaining that because he was Bob Gansler’s assistant coach at the 1990 World Cup he had a bias and sense of loyalty, while providing unique insight to the issues faced coaching. Cosmos legends Boris Bandov, Fred Grgurev, Erhardt Kapp, and Ferdinando De Matthaeis were in attendance, offering invaluable perspective as players. Jack Huckel emphasized the role of trust in coaching, followed by Kilpatrick, who stressed style of play and aesthetic judgement.

The floor was then opened for attendees to share their opinions, with Roger Allaway, Charles Cuttone, and Remy Lupica sharing valuations before Lewis and Kilpatrick provided closing comments.

Of the eighteen in attendance, nine cast their ballots for best coach with Bruce Arena coming out on top. You can view a breakdown of the results of the vote at https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/sash-session-at-the-united-soccer-coaches-convention-votes-bruce-the-best/

Podcast produced by Brian Quarstad.

Music created by LiteSaturation and found at Pixabay.

View the video of the session at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6cCsZCxPAo

Visit the SASH website at https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/

Join SASH at https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/store/sash-membership-one-year/