American Copa América Preview: Youth Transformation as Hosts Aim for a “Golden Generation”

As the 2024 Copa América approaches, Leisu Sports will successively present profiles of the 16 participating teams. Today’s focus is on one of the hosts, the United States.

Team Overview: A Long History and Growing Popularity

The US national team, as host of this Copa América, boasts a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1913 and FIFA membership the following year, making it one of the earliest members. The team reached the third place in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, their best World Cup performance to date. In the 1980s and 90s, American soccer embarked on a systematic professionalization and modernization journey, particularly after hosting the 1994 World Cup, which significantly increased football’s popularity domestically. Since then, the USMNT has emerged as a force to be reckoned with internationally, especially in the Americas. They have won the Gold Cup seven times and achieved their most notable result by defeating the then-dominant Spain 2-0 in the 2009 Confederations Cup semifinals. The US has been invited to participate in the Copa América four times, reaching the semifinals as their best performance, which they hosted for the second time in 2016.

Historical Records: Home Advantage and A Desire for a New Chapter

In their Copa América history, the US has been invited four times, and this is their second time hosting, following the Centennial Copa América in 2016. Back then, they topped their group and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they beat Ecuador 2-1 before losing 0-4 to Argentina in the semis, marking their best Copa América result.

Head Coach and Key Players: A Fresh Approach with Young Talent

The current head coach of the US team is Berhalter, who is serving his second stint in charge. He first took over in 2018, leading the team to a record of 37 wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses in 60 matches, making him the most successful coach in terms of winning percentage. Since resuming the role last August, he has guided the team through nine games, securing six victories and three defeats. Berhalter emphasizes technique and tactical discipline, overseeing the team’s transformation towards a younger and more competitive squad.

Notable players include Christian Pulisic, known as the “American Captain.” After an injury-riddled spell at Chelsea, he rejuvenated his career at AC Milan, contributing 15 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances (44 starts) this season. Skilled in positioning, dribbling, and speed, Pulisic can play in multiple attacking positions.

Another player to watch is Monaco’s emerging talent, Joshua Barlow. With eight goals and five assists in 32 appearances (22 starts) this season, his statistics may not be as eye-catching as last season’s, but at just 22 years old, his potential is immense.

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is another key figure in the US squad. In the just-concluded season, he featured in 38 matches for Juventus, providing 10 assists. With his contract set to expire next summer, Juventus is currently negotiating an extension, with several Premier League clubs expressing interest if no agreement is reached.

Other young talents like goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream, AC Milan’s Alessandro Florenzi, Juventus’ Moise Kean, and others will also play crucial roles in the squad. The US’s “Golden Generation” is poised to write a new chapter of glory in the Copa América.

Predicted US Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth, Led by “Captain America”

Goalkeepers: Cárdenas, Horvath, Turner Defenders: Dest, Christopher Long, McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally Midfielders: Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Luca Del Toro, McKennie, Musah, Gio Reyna Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Aaronson

US Schedule: Favorable for the Hosts

June 24: USA vs. Bolivia June 28: Panama vs. USA July 2: USA vs. Uruguay

Outlook: Young Stars Shining, Qualification Within Reach

Although the US faces a strong opponent in Uruguay, their fixture list is advantageous, starting with the weakest team, Bolivia, followed by a middle-tier opponent, Panama, and ending with the toughest challenge, Uruguay. The US has a 2-1 win-loss record against Bolivia, scoring seven goals while conceding one; a 4-2 win-loss record against Panama, scoring 15 goals and conceding four; and a 1-2-1 record against Uruguay, scoring three goals and conceding four. Winning the first two matches will be crucial for the US to secure qualification.