USA at Copa America 2024: Can The Stars and Stripes Repeat History And Reach The Semi-finals?

The Copa America is around the corner, and the USA national team is at the epicenter of it all, as they are the host nation that will welcome 16 teams, with ten teams representing the Conmebol and six representing the CONCACAF. With this being the toughest and most challenging competition, will the USMNT be able to build on their semi-final 2016 spot to lift the trophy and dethrone the defending champions Argentina?

Despite playing host to the Copa America for the second time (2016, 2024), an event that will cater to 16 national teams, the U.S. men's national team did not earn their qualification through these means. Instead, their journey to South America's long-standing football competition was decided by advancing through the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League, defeating Trinidad & Tobago (FIFA Ranking: 98th) 4-2 in a two-legged quarter-final bout.

The USMNT are faced with an uphill battle in the 2024 Copa America, which could turn out to be a stern test for them as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they'll once again be the hosts of a prestigious tournament. They are located in Group C alongside the likes of South American giants Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia. 

Tough Group Stage opponents: Despite being formidable foes themselves, the USMNT will likely not take the threat of their opponents in Group C lightly. Uruguay, at the moment, is considered a major contender in this tournament, whose rich history in the Copa America exceeds their having lifted the trophy 15 times. Panama, on the other hand, who made their Copa America debut in 2016 and are making their second appearance in this tournament, have proven to be a thorn for the USMNT historically, reminiscing about their times in the CONCACAF. Last but not least, the underdogs in Group C, Bolivia, will also fancy their chances of posing unexpected challenges.

Injury and squad depth:

Sergino Dest is ruled out of the Copa America, with the 24-year-old recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This has forced Gregg Berhalter to turn his attention to less experienced replacements that will be the cornerstone of the backline. However, that shouldn't be a problem for the 53-year-old, as he still boasts an array of promising talents. Names such as Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna are not to be overlooked.

Performance Pressure: 

The Copa America serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the USMNT's readiness ahead of the 2026 World Cup (also to be hosted in the USA). Not only that, but they are under pressure to demonstrate whether they can compete at the highest level.

Goalkeepers: 

1. Sean Johnson (Toronto FC),

2. Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest),

3. Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City)

Defenders:

1. Kristoffer Lund (Palermo),

2. Mark McKenzie (Genk),

3. Shaq Moore (Nashville SC),

4. Tim Ream (Fulham),

5. Chris Richards (Crystal Palace),

6. Antonee Robinson (Fulham),

7. Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati),

8. Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach),

9. Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)

Midfielders:

1. Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), 

2. Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), 

3. Weston McKennie (Juventus), 

4. Yunus Musah (AC Milan), 

5. Giovanni Reyna (Nottingham Forest), 

6. Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven), 

7. Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth)

Forwards: 

1. Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven),

2. Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin),

3. Tim Weah (Juventus),

4. Josh Sargent (Norwich City),

5. Haji Wright (Coventry City),

6. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan),

7. Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco)

The USA national team is considered the joint-fifth favorite to lift the trophy in this competition, and that comes as no surprise given the vast competition they'll have to go through to achieve such a feat. 

Gregg Berhalter's squad will have to compete against the likes of defending champions and 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, which is enough confirmation that their chances of success are slim.

However, we do anticipate them reaching the semi-finals of this competition for the second time, having done so back in 2016 as the host nation.

• Copa America - Reach The Semi-final (USA) - Yes for 3.75
• Top Team Goalscorer - Christian Pulisic (USA) for 5.50
• Who Will Take Second Place In Group - USA for 2.15