After a successful run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they narrowly lost to the Netherlands in the Round of 16, the US Men’s National Team is now raring to suit up for the highly anticipated Copa America tournament. It could undoubtedly become a dark horse contender to advance much further than previously advertised.
The USA’s Chances In The Copa America?
It certainly has not been smooth sailing for the USMNT throughout the last decade. They infamously failed to secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup embarrassingly while also falling short of consecutive appearances at Copa America in 2019 and 2021.
However, after a much-improved display at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they earned a place in the knockout rounds, fans are expecting the US to continue to move up the world rankings as they prepare to face off against some of the most acclaimed footballing nations at Copa America 2024.
The USMNT has certainly boosted its overall quality of talent and intake of youth prospects who have since become mainstays in some of the top leagues in world football, setting up high expectations for their continued development in this year’s tournament.
What Are The US-Men’s Expectations For Copa America 2024?
While there are plenty of established names and respected nations that will be gunning for silverware at the conclusion of the event, the USA is certainly one of the most intriguing teams heading into Copa America and could be ones to watch for a potential dark horse run which could take many by surprise.
The US share a group with a major tournament favourite in Uruguay as well as Panama and Boliva, with the States expected to finish in second place and earn qualification for the quarterfinals which could setup a potential matchup against the first placed team from Group D which includes the likes of Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
According to the latest betting odds, the US are 1/6 favourites to earn qualification from their group and are 11/8 to win their group all together, with their outrights coming in at 12/1 to win the tournament, behind the likes of Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil and World Cup winners Argentina.
While this USMNT roster is not expected to be ranked amongst the most elite teams competing in this year’s Copa America, they are expected to be one of the most challenging and cagey sides that could give anyone in the tournament a run for their money. This rather young roster is still gaining valuable experience with each passing season.
Profiling The US-Men's Roster
In recent years, several US talents have made a name for themselves abroad and continuously face off against some of the top names in world football, providing head coach Gregg Berhalter with a wide selection of intriguing talents for his 2024 Copa America squad.
Between the sticks will likely be Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner who played a major role in the latter’s efforts to stave off relegation this past season.
USA’s defence includes Premier League regulars such as Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream from Fulham as well as Chris Richards from Crystal Palace, who could all play alongside the likes of Celtic starting defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and Borussia Monchengladbach fullback Joe Scally who is one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young players.
In the heart of the midfield is the expected partnership of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams who are both versatile and experienced talents with Premier League and Serie A experience as well as the likes of Johnny Cardoso and Luca de la Torre from LaLiga.
The front line is also a very interesting setup as it features names such as Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, Florian Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, and Haji Wright, who are all highly talented and productive options to partner the team’s star player Christian Pulisic.
The former Chelsea player has remained the standout name on this USMNT roster for years now. He is coming off one of the best domestic seasons of his career, as he netted 12 goals and eight assists in 36 league games for AC Milan, who finished runners-up in Serie A.
The only major absence from this USMNT roster is PSV fullback Sergino Dest, who was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
There is also an abundance of established talent from the MLS who could make their mark in Copa America and attract the interest of scouts aiming to bring some of the league’s top homegrown talents across the pond for future appearances at the top level of play.
Overall, there is plenty of excitement and anticipation building towards the USMNT’s opening matchups of the 2024 Copa America, with fans ready to cheer on the star-spangled banner as they aim to prove that they can be a dominant force in both variations of the beloved sport of football.
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