Now under two years out from a World Cup, the United States is hosting the pre-party that precedes the big bash in the form of this year’s Copa America.
A competition between South America, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the Copa is one of the major international tournaments and provides the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) with an opportunity. It is a moment in which we can see what changes need to be made, if any, before what promises to be the biggest moment in U.S. Soccer history two years from now. Some would call it a dress rehearsal, but there are stakes to this tournament, and winning it would be the greatest accomplishment in the team’s history. Here are five reasons why the Copa America is crucial for the USMNT.
1) Momentum
After missing the World Cup entirely in 2018, the USMNT has rebuilt itself. Spearheaded by a corps of former wonderkids turned established players in Europe, the USMNT boasts its most talented squad to date. Led by Christian Pulisic of AC Milan, Gio Reyna of Borussia Dortmund, Weston Mckennie of Juventus, and Tyler Adams of Bournemouth, to name a few, it is a squad primed to compete at higher levels as they grow together.
They took an acceptable first step toward true international success by making it to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Since then, they have proven themselves to be the class of CONCACAF, the international soccer division carrying North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The USMNT has made a habit of beating Mexico on big occasions to take home multiple CONCACAF Nations League titles and Gold Cups. Defeating an up-and-coming Canadian National Team has also not been a problem.
While it is an accomplishment that the USMNT has seized firm control of CONCACAF, U.S. soccer fans want more out of their team, knowing the kind of talent they boast. It is a relief to see a USMNT team take beating the likes of Mexico and Canada so seriously. All of the major disappointments of the last decade or so were centered around in-conference upsets and a general fear of losing to Mexico. But CONCACAF is just the first hurdle in the race to international success.
2) The Wake-Up Call
The USMNT appeared to be flying high heading into this year’s Copa America until they ran into Colombia. In front of a majority-Colombian crowd in a game played in America, the USMNT was thrashed 5-1. It was the first time since the World Cup that the U.S. had stepped outside of CONCACAF for a friendly. The first major out-of-region test failed miserably. Now there are familiar questions as to whether or not the USMNT can compete at the highest level. Questions surround the players and, most importantly, the coach.
However, the Americans followed up their worst loss in years with a major result, as they drew with Brazil 1-1. It was a game that saw a beautiful free-kick goal from Christian Pulisic. There were many chances for the USMNT to actually beat the six-time World Cup champion nation. While not perfect, that result has rallied the troops to put some momentum behind the USMNT heading into the Copa. However, questions are still asked of Gregg Berhalter.
3) The Gregg Problem
When the USMNT hired Gregg Berhalter in 2018, his task was to the team back to the World Cup and establishing a culture in which players coming home from playing in Europe could appreciate playing for the national team. Berhalter accomplished both of those goals by the time his contract expired at the end of 2022. Initially, it seemed that U.S. Soccer had come to the natural conclusion that Berhalter had done his job, and it was time to move on. They even announced that Berhalter’s contract expired without renewal, and it made perfect sense. He had gone as far as he could; now, it was time to get the team to the next level.
But that is not what happened. The USMNT rehired Berhalter a little under a year ago and he has since fallen out of favor with USMNT fans, especially after the Colombia game. The biggest criticisms of Berhalter are that he caused a rift in the squad by freezing out Gio Reyna during a World Cup and that his tactics are not fit for the roster. These are both accurate and fair gripes among fans. Berhalter’s job is well and truly on the line at the Copa.
4) Trophy Opportunity
Say it quietly to your friends and family: the United States can make a deep Copa America run. Here’s a quick rundown of the state of teams in the tournament the United States wants to compete with:
Argentina
The defending World Champions. They play perhaps the best team football of any national team right now. There is no expectation for the USMNT to beat them. However, they might be the only team on this list you can say that about.
Brazil
Always one of the most talented teams in the world. However, Brazil currently has one of their worst squads at a major tournament in years, and is not playing like you would expect a Brazil team to play. There is an opportunity for usurpation.
Colombia
They recently destroyed the USMNT, but they are by no means unbeatable. They are around the same talent level, and I am sure the USMNT would love another shot at them.
Uruguay
Uruguay’s era of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez’s dominance is over, but the country still boasts a talented team led by Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde. Marcelo Bielsa, one of the most momentous managers of the modern era, coaches the team . The Copa provides a preview of a new-look Uruguay team, leaving expectations uncertain.
Chile
Chile is not who they used to be. They were a force to be reckoned with. Led by Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, they won two Copa Americas. Their pedigree for deep Copa runs makes them a threat.
Mexico (kind of)
The US measures against Mexico since they are rivals on the pitch. However, getting knocked out by them would be a disaster.
A USMNT loss to anyone outside of the group above, as well as Mexico, is a disappointment. Where there is expectation, there is pressure. The USMNT expect to be one of the best teams in the Copa, they just have to prove it.
5) The 2026 World Cup
The USMNT needs to get the nation behind them for this upcoming World Cup. Not that the nation usually isn’t behind them, but we want to actually believe we can win the whole thing. As someone who follows soccer closely, I can say that is an unrealistic expectation right now. However, if the USMNT shows its ability to compete with the big boys now, then the hope will be that the team can work out a few issues in two years and be bonafide World Cup contenders on home soil. It sounds crazy, but it is important and not quite out of the realm of possibility.
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