The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) views the upcoming Copa America as its last major challenge before the 2026 World Cup, a tournament they are hosting on home soil. With eighteen players from the potential 2026 roster in training camp, the Copa America offers a valuable opportunity for the team to build chemistry and gain experience against top-tier competition.
“A World Cup on home soil is the biggest thing that you know we’ll probably do in our career,” said star attacker Christian Pulisic, highlighting the significance of the upcoming World Cup for the American players.
The US opens their Copa America campaign against Bolivia on June 23rd in Arlington, Texas, followed by matches against Panama and Uruguay. While the team could potentially face Brazil in the quarterfinals, the primary focus remains on preparing for the World Cup.
“Copa America is essential to the growth of this group, and I believe this is a very important tournament for us as a team. This is the last major tournament before the World Cup. We’ll have Gold Cup, but the calibre of teams does not match Copa America,” said coach Gregg Berhalter. “It is a building block in which to go into the World Cup confident.”
Berhalter, who returned to the helm after a period of uncertainty, is working with a core group of players that were part of the 2022 World Cup squad. Pulisic, coming off his best season with AC Milan, is a key player for the team. He recently scored a vital equalizer against Brazil in a pre-tournament friendly, demonstrating his continued growth and importance to the team.
Other key players include Tyler Adams, the team’s World Cup captain, who is regaining fitness after a challenging period of injuries. However, the team faces challenges with injuries, including the absence of right back Sergiño Dest due to a torn ACL.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner’s form is a cause for concern as he lost his starting position at Nottingham Forest. While Berhalter expresses confidence in Turner’s ability to regain his form, the team will need a solid performance from him in goal to succeed.
With a strong core of experienced players and a determination to build towards the World Cup, the US is aiming to make a strong showing in the Copa America. The tournament provides a valuable platform for the team to continue developing and fine-tuning their game plan, setting the stage for a successful World Cup on home soil.
