Bruce Arena steps down as USA head coach

Decision comes days after Stars and Stripes failed to reach Russia 2018

*Arena: "Greatest privilege for any coach to manage their country" *

Bruce Arena has stepped down from his role as USA head coach, the United States Soccer Federation has confirmed. Arena’s decision to resign as national team manager comes after the country failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

A 2-1 defeat away to Trinidad & Tobago on Tuesday, combined with Panama and Honduras recording victories over Costa Rica and Mexico respectively, meant the Stars and Stripes finished fifth in CONCACAF’s Hexagonal standings.

It is the first time USA have failed to qualify for the World Cup since Mexico 1986.

“It is the greatest privilege for any coach to manage their country’s national team, and as I leave that role today, I am honoured and grateful to have had that opportunity twice in my career,” said Arena, who coached USA at Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006 during his first stint as national team manager.

“When I took the job last November, I knew there was a great challenge ahead, probably more than most people could appreciate. Everyone involved in the program gave everything they had for the last 11 months and, in the end, we came up short. No excuses. We didn’t get the job done, and I accept responsibility.”