COPA AMÉRICA 2024
What result does USMNT need to qualify for the Copa América quarterfinals? All possible combinations
Gregg Berhalter’s side slipped up in the group and now their qualification to the next stage of the Copa América looks unlikely: can the captain step up?
What seemed to be heading towards a somewhat comfortable group stage for the United States in this Copa America turned into an unexpected cliff edge that has shaken the team coached by Gregg Berhalter. And now, ahead of the final day of the group stage, they know the stakes: all or nothing.
The loss to Panama completely changed the panorama for the USMNT to reach the quarter-final round, as the team are now under hadopelagic zone levels of sea pressure to get a positive result and stay alive in the tournament.
Team USA’s qualification hangs by a thread and will be determined by the result they achieve next Monday in Kansas City against a Uruguay team that arrive with the peace of mind of knowing that they have all but qualified. However, Bielsa’s team will not be satisfied with a walk in the park and will look to close out this first stage with a perfect 9 points.
What result does the USMNT need to advance to the quarter-finals?
At the moment the USMNT has second place in the group in their hands, despite the loss to Panama. However, another slip-up would mean an early bus ride home from the Copa América.
With just 3 points and a goal difference of +1, the USMNT need a win against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay to secure second place in the group. However, they will have to keep their 2-goal difference over the Central Americans intact.
Right now, Team USA are looking for their key figures to stand up and be counted. Christian Pulisic was suggested by some media as the best ever player the USA has produced, but he was largely ineffective against Panama. It’s time for him to step up and take on the responsibility of the team he leads with the heavy armband.
Copa América Group C standings:
| Position | Team | Points | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay | 6 | +7 |
| 2 | USMNT | 3 | +1 |
| 3 | Panama | 3 | -1 |
| 4 | Bolivia | 0 | 0 |
A draw would still give the USMNT qualification as long as Panama fail to win against Bolivia, a team that due to a goal difference of -7 are practically out of the group.
The catastrophic case for the USMNT would be a loss or a draw and Panama winning their match against Bolivia. With those 3 points, Christensen’s team would move into second place with six points; there, the goal difference with the USMNT would be key: losing to Uruguay with a one-goal difference will still keep Team USA in the fight, but a drubbing would mean their farewell to the competition.