da pinup bet： GOAL breaks down what the U.S. team will look like for this summer's tournament on home soil
da jogodeouro： The Copa America is heading back to the United States and, for the hosts, this summer's tournament will be a vital measuring stick as we reach the halfway point on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. men's national team will be looking to build on the successes of the 2022 World Cup cycle, and on the road to 2026, this summer's Copa America will be their biggest test. For years, this group has been desperate to prove that they can hang with the world's elite; well, here's their chance. Teams like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay are up there with the best on the planet, and if the U.S. wants to be considered among them, an extended run in this tournament is the only way to prove it.
Back in 2016, the last time the tournament was hosted stateside, a U.S. team under Jurgen Klinsmann put forth a respectable showing, making it all the way to the semifinals before being trounced by Lionel Messi's Argentina, and eventually fell in a third-place game against Colombia, too.
A run to the semis will feel like the bare minimum for Gregg Berhalter and co. this summer. He has a talented young group at his disposal, perhaps more talented than any U.S. team we've ever seen. As such, Berhalter has needed to make some tough choices this summer in terms of his roster selection as he looks to guide the U.S. through a big moment in this group's history.
So who is on the USMNT Copa America squad? GOAL takes a look at the official 26-man roster.
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Matt Turner remains the USMNT's No.1, and despite his lack of minutes at club level for Nottingham Forest, it doesn't feel like that'll change any time soon. There isn't quite anyone in position to challenge him at the moment, and his U.S. performances have never shown any sign of dropping off.
Behind him, Ethan Horvath remains the clear backup, with Johnson behind him.
Ethan HorvathCardiff CitySean JohnsonToronto FCMatt TurnerNottingham ForestAdvertisementGettyDEFENDERS
At right-back, Sergino Dest was set to be the go-to starter before his untimely injury. Joe Scally is his replacement, though Tim Weah and Shaq Moore provide alternative options. Antonee Robinson, meanwhile, is a lock at left-back, while Kristoffer Lund will provide backup.
Centrally, Tim Ream and Chris Richards seem are the starters, but all three of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson will be competing for minutes.
Cameron Carter-VickersCelticKristoffer LundPalermoMark McKenzieGenkShaq MooreNashville SCTim ReamFulhamChris RichardsCrystal PalaceAntonee RobinsonFulhamMiles RobinsonFC CincinnatiJoe Scally Borussia MonchengladbachGettyMIDFIELDERS
The MMA midfield of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams carried the USMNT through the 2022 World Cup, and that trio could very well return this summer. However, Gio Reyna still has his role to play, and it will likely move Musah to the bench.
Behind Adams, the U.S. has a new backup No.6 in Johnny Cardoso, while Luca de la Torre is the player to come in if McKennie or Musah are absent.
Malik Tillman, meanwhile, will still have his say after an outstanding season with PSV.
Tyler AdamsBournemouthJohnny CardosoReal BetisLuca de la TorreCelta VigoWeston McKennieJuventusYunus MusahAC MilanGio ReynaNottingham ForestMalik TillmanPSVGetty ImagesFORWARDS
Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Josh Sargent will all be vying for a starting role at striker, but it's more likely now that we see Wright played in a wide role.
With Sargent carrying a knock, it's more than likely one of Pepi or Balogun get the nod for game one vs Bolivia, now, too.
Out wide, the options essentially pick themselves. Christian Pulisic will start on the left, while Weah will be on the right, with Wright available off the bench alongside Brenden Aaronson.
Folarin BalogunMonacoRicardo PepiPSVChristian PulisicAC MilanJosh SargentNorwich CityTim WeahJuventusHaji WrightCoventry CityBrenden AaronsonLeeds United