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USMNT

Berhalter: “A good Copa América showing is essential in helping this group grow”

The USMNT coach spoke about the importance that the Copa América has for his squad with the tournament coming two years before the 2026 World Cup.

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter throws a ball
U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter throws a ballMATTHEW CHILDSREUTERS

Gregg Berhalter is about to experience his second major tournament in charge of Team USA with the start of the 2024 Copa América just days away.

The 50-year-old led the US to a Round of 16 exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where they fell short against the Netherlands and is now preparing for two friendlies prior to the tournament against Colombia and Brazil.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Berhalter acknowledged that his team plan to take this Copa América with utmost seriousness, because they know that it is the last major tournament where they will have the possibility of facing top teams with the likes of the regional tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup failing to deliver this calibre of opposition.

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“The Copa América is essential for the growth of this group and it is a very important tournament for us as a team, because it is the last important tournament before the World Cup, we know that we have the Gold Cup ahead of us but it does not have the same caliber of teams as a Copa América, I consider this tournament to have four great powers such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia and the further we advance offers us the best way to gain confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup,” Berhalter explained to the media at a press conference.

Berhalter: “A good Copa América showing is essential in helping this group grow”
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Facing top rivals is essential for the USMNT

In addition, Berhalter recognized that although there is not always the possibility of having friendlies against high quality opposition such as forthcoming opponents Colombia and Brazil, he called on his players to make the most of these friendlies adding: “we know that we have high-level opponents coming up and they have players accustomed to the the highest level and that gives us greater desire to be successful in our objectives,” added the coach.