The US men’s national team’s early exit from the Copa America tournament has raised questions about their preparedness for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite winning their opening match against Bolivia, the team faltered with consecutive losses to Panama and Uruguay, finishing third in Group C. Coach Gregg Berhalter acknowledged the team’s subpar performance, stating, “We know that we’re capable of more, and at this tournament, we didn’t show it.”
Berhalter’s leadership has come under scrutiny, with many questioning his tactics and player selection. When asked if he believed he was the right person to lead the team to the World Cup, Berhalter confidently affirmed,
“Yes.” However, US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker expressed a more nuanced view, stating that the team’s performance “fell short of our expectations” and that they “must do better.”
Crocker announced a comprehensive review of the team’s performance to identify areas for improvement ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The review will likely examine the team’s tactics, player selection, and complete strategy.
The US team’s early exit from the Copa America tournament is a disappointing setback, but it also provides a valuable learning opportunity.
The team’s performance has sparked concerns about their chances in the upcoming World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico. However, Berhalter remains confident in his team’s abilities, stating, “We have to keep moving forward…It’s not where you say, OK, this program is doomed.
That’s not the case at all.” Despite the disappointing results, the US team has the talent and potential to succeed in the World Cup. With the right adjustments and improvements, they can still make a strong showing in the tournament.