The four-year deal brings the Americans stability as they prepare for two upcoming major international tournaments, the Gold Cup next month among North American foes and the subsequent Copa America with South American foes.

"I'm very pleased," Bradley said. "The work the past six months has gone very well. The focus in that time has been in doing what makes sense for the team and the future. I'm pleased to continue that work."

Bradley's appointment ends a 10-month search to replace Bruce Arena, dropped after the US team's first-round exit from last year's World Cup in Germany.

Bradley made a strong impression on US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati by winning three and drawing one since taking over the US squad in December - a run that included a 2-0 home victory over Mexico in February.

"Bob Bradley has shown everyone in the past few months just how ready he is for this job," Gulati said.

"Every decision he has made has been about the betterment of the team, and the betterment of the program, not about 'what might be best for the future of Bob Bradley.'

"While it has only been a few months, you can already see those decisions paying dividends. I firmly believe Bob has the ability to take this program forward."

Gulati appeared near a deal with former German national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, but talks failed and Gulati appointed Bradley. He said he wanted to wait until the European league seasons ended to consider other candidates.

While US Soccer will seek a technical director after Copa America, Gulati does not see Klinsmann in that role, saying, "I think Jurgen is more interested in directly coaching a team at this stage."

Bradley said he understood the delay and the need to audition before getting the post finalised.

"I understood the process very well. I don't think it interfered at all with the work we did in the first months of this year. It allows us going forward to continue in the same direction," he said. "You focus on areas you can control."

Bradley's first match without the interim label will come June 2 when the Americans play host to China at San Jose, California. Players will gather in Los Angeles a week before to begin training.

Bradley, 49, spent nine seasons coaching in Major League Soccer, winning a league crown with Chicago in 1998 and winning a league-best 124 games as coach.

He guided Chivas USA last year, taking the league's worst club from the prior season and turning it into a playoff qualifier.