USMNT Coach: Match Against Uruguay is a Knockout Game in Disguise; No Room for Error

As hosts of the Copa América, the US national team now finds itself on the brink of an early exit from the group stage. Manager Gregg Berhalter is well aware of the daunting challenge that lies ahead, but he and his players are determined to fight until the end.

With three points, the USMNT currently sits second in Group C, but their position is far from secure, given their upcoming clash with group favorites Uruguay. A loss to Uruguay, combined with a victory for Panama over Bolivia, would see the hosts knocked out. Even if the US wins against Uruguay, they could still be eliminated if Panama scores a big win over Bolivia, and with Uruguay theoretically capable of being knocked out despite having six points, the Americans’ situation is dire. Coach Berhalter acknowledged, “I think Uruguay will come out with their strongest lineup,” implying that Uruguay will leave nothing to chance in securing their progression.

In a press conference, Berhalter admitted that there was little left to lose and called for a full-out effort, stating, “Our knockout game effectively started five days early. If we don’t perform well enough to win, our Copa América is over. There’s no point in sugarcoating it.”

A failure to advance would be a significant blow to the US team’s long-term plans, which aim to boost support for the national team and football in general as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, draws near. The Copa América, the third most important football competition after the World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, provides a crucial test for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 tournament. Captain Christian Pulisic rallied the team, saying, “We’re all very positive and want to show what we can do on home soil. We want to make a statement that the USMNT is here to compete with the best for the title.”