Copa America 2024 Team Previews: U.S.

Copa America 2024 Team Previews: U.S.

The 2024 Copa America begins on June 20th in the U.S., with 10 CONMEBOL and six CONCACAF teams set to compete in the tournament. Over the next couple of weeks, we will preview every team playing in the competition. Next up are the hosts: the U.S.!

A lot is expected of this U.S. squad. Some even think that this group could win the entire Copa America. However, after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Colombia, the Yanks were woken up about how difficult this tournament will be. Two years before hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this young U.S. group is looking to use the Copa America as a springboard toward a successful World Cup, but many talented CONMEBOL teams stand in their way.

They have by far the most talented group of players the USMNT has ever had. They have the potential to compete with anyone on their day, as shown by their 1-1 draw against Brazil in their last pre-tournament friendly. Now, they will have to prove how just far the U.S. has come as a national team on the biggest stage against the biggest teams in the Americas.

We kickoff in Copa América IN THREE DAYS!!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Vr5JHEYRZY

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 20, 2024

Copa America Appearances

This will be the U.S.’s fifth Copa America appearance. As a CONCACAF side, they qualified for this edition through their performance in the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League and were invited to the rest. The USMNT’s first Copa America appearance came in 1993.

Best Finish in Copa America

The U.S. has reached the semifinals of the Copa America and finished fourth after losing the third-place game twice, first in 1995 and then in 2016 when they also hosted the tournament.

Key Players

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic is the face of the USMNT. After a difficult spell with Chelsea, he absolutely exploded in the Serie A and is now looking to bring that form to the Copa with the U.S. He always seems to be involved with the USMNT’s goals at big tournaments and the U.S. will need Captain America to continue his hot streak if they want to have a successful Copa America.

Pulisic does not have to do it alone, however. Timothy Weah (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), and Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco) will also be vital for the U.S. in attack. Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (AC Milan) and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) will be key in the USMNT midfield, while Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis) is looking to show his quality on the international stage after an impressive first season in La Liga.

Defensively, Tim Ream‘s (Fulham) experience and composure on the ball will likely be paired with Chris Richards‘s (Crystal Palace) athleticism and defending at center back with Fulham’s Player of the Season Antonee Robinson and Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) occupying the fullback positions.

In goal, Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest) has proven his value as a shot-stopper but often looks shaky on the ball. He made 11 saves in the U.S.’s 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil and will likely need to have a few more performances like this if the U.S. is to have a run at Copa America glory.

Manager

Gregg Berhalter is in his “second” stint as the head coach of the USMNT. His first stint began in 2018 and he remained head coach through the 2022 World Cup. After the drama that followed the World Cup with Berhalter and Gio Reyna, Berhalter returned as the USMNT’s head coach following the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a decision that has proven to be controversial with the USMNT fan base. After the 5-1 drubbing to Colombia, Berhalter has a lot to prove at this Copa America.

Biggest Game — vs Uruguay on July 1st

This matchup will likely determine who wins Group C. The U.S. should pick up wins against Bolivia and Panama, as should the Uruguay. That leaves the final game of the group stage for both these nations as the decisive one. Uruguay is coming into this tournament in hot form after beating Mexico 4-0 in a pretournament friendly and currently sitting second in CONMEBOL’s World Cup Qualifying standings. They have world-class players and are a storied nation at the Copa America. This is where the U.S. needs to perform, and if they want to win Group C, they will need a good showing against Uruguay.

Euro 2024 Young Players To Watch

Prediction

The U.S. will get out of the group but not advance any further. This is not because the U.S. is a bad team but rather because if they get out of Group C, either Brazil or Colombia likely awaits in the quarterfinal. We have already seen what Colombia can do to the U.S., and even though the USMNT tied Brazil 1-1 in its last friendly before the Copa, you would be foolish to not back Brazil in a competitive matchup. This U.S. team definitely has it in them to advance to the semifinals again, but it is looking incredibly unlikely based on who they will have to play in the quarterfinals.

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