United States head coach Gregg Berhalter has faced criticism after his team was knocked out of the Copa America at the group stage. Despite being the tournament hosts, the US finished third in Group C, with only the top two teams advancing. Uruguay claimed the top spot, while Panama secured the second spot to progress to the quarter-finals.
Berhalter expressed deep disappointment in the team’s results, acknowledging that they have the capability to achieve more, which was not reflected in their performance during the tournament. Despite the disappointing outcome, Berhalter affirmed that he is the right person to lead the team up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
“We’re bitterly disappointed in the results,” said Berhalter, whose side beat Bolivia in their opening match before suffering defeats by Panama and Uruguay.
“We know that we’re capable of more and at this tournament we didn’t show it. It’s as simple as that.”
Asked if he thought he was the right person to lead the team up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, Berhalter said: “Yes.”
The US Soccer sporting director, Matt Crocker, stated that the team’s performance fell short of their expectations and emphasized the need for improvement as they look towards the 2026 World Cup. He confirmed that a comprehensive review of the team’s performance in the Copa America will be conducted to identify areas for enhancement. “We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup,” he added in a US Soccer statement.
Meanwhile, Uruguay’s success in winning all three of their group games, including a victory over the US, has secured their spot in the quarter-finals. They are set to face the second-placed team in Group D, while Panama will play against the winners of that group, which currently sees Colombia leading with six points and Brazil following closely with four points. The results of the final group match between Colombia and Brazil will determine the matchups for the quarter-finals.
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