US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati handed Bradley the official title today after he had helped his cause by guiding the US to three wins in four matches as interim coach.

"It was the team's performance under Bob Bradley that made this the right decision," Gulati said.

"But quite a long time ago, I saw Bob as the national team coach."

One of the most successful coaches in MLS history, Bradley guided the Chicago Fire to the MLS Cup in 1998.

During his 12-year MLS career as a coach or an assistant coach, Bradley's teams qualified for the post-season every year.

Now the 49-year-old will replace Bruce Arena, the most successful coach in national team history.

Arena guided the Americans to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, but the team failed to advance out of the group stage in the 2006 World Cup and he was fired soon afterwards.

The first game under Bradley will be an exhibition against China on June 2, followed by the CONCACAF Gold Cup, starting on June 7, and the Copa America, beginning July 28.