Who is Pellegrino Matarazzo? USMNT coaching candidate's style, formation, success, history and more

The Europe-based American coach is one of many linked to the vacant USMNT job

By Pardeep Cattry Aug 3, 2024 at 3:33 pm ET• 5 min read

A new name has emerged as a top contender for the vacant U.S. men's national team job: USA-born, Germany-based manager Pellegrino Matarazzo.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, the Hoffenheim coach is reportedly on U.S. Soccer's list of candidates to succeed Gregg Berhalter, who was fired in July after the USMNT crashed out of the Copa America in the group stage. Per the report, U.S. Soccer has not extended a formal offer but would like to hold talks with Matarazzo, who is under contract with Hoffenheim until the end of the 2024-25 season.

As the only American coach in Europe's top five leagues, Matarazzo feels like a natural focus for U.S. Soccer as they look for the person who will lead the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Matarazzo, though, is not like the fellow U.S. passport holders who have led the USMNT before -- he may be a born-and-raised American, but his professional career has taken place entirely in Germany, where he has lived since 2000.

Here's what you need to know about Matarazzo with his stock on the rise.

New Jersey roots

The 46-year-old Matarazzo is a native of New Jersey, born to Italian immigrants in Wayne and raised in Fair Lawn. He attended Columbia University and graduated with a degree in applied mathematics in 1999 and shortly after graduation, he traveled to Europe to pursue a professional playing career.