The US Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) was eliminated from the 2024 Copa America following a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay. Despite a strong start to the tournament, the USMNT's journey ended in the group stage after failing to secure the necessary points in their final match, increasing pressure on coach Gregg Berhalter.
In a crucial Copa America 2024 group stage match, the US Men's National Team (USMNT) faced Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The stakes were high as the USMNT needed a win to advance to the quarterfinals, especially after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Panama. However, the team's hopes were dashed by a 1-0 defeat, marking their exit from the tournament and casting doubt on the future of head coach Gregg Berhalter.
The match kicked off at 9 p.m. ET, with the USMNT fielding a strong lineup despite the suspension of forward Timothy Weah. Key players included Christian Pulisic, who captained the team, and Folarin Balogun, who had previously impressed by scoring in consecutive matches. The team's lineup was adjusted due to Weah's absence, with Yunus Musah making his first start of the tournament to strengthen the midfield[1].
The only goal of the match came from Uruguay's Mathias Olivera in controversial circumstances, as it was initially suspected to be offside but was upheld upon review. This goal sealed Uruguay's victory and the USMNT's fate in the tournament. Despite efforts to equalize, including a potential penalty shout by Pulisic, the USMNT could not find the back of the net, culminating in a disheartening exit from the competition[2].
The USMNT's early exit has intensified scrutiny on head coach Gregg Berhalter, whose future with the team is now in question as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Berhalter defended his role and the team's potential in a post-match press conference, but the loss against Uruguay has led to widespread speculation about his tenure and the overall direction of the national team[3].
The USMNT's elimination from Copa America 2024 is a significant setback for the team, reflecting deeper issues that may need addressing before the 2026 World Cup. The performance has sparked debates about leadership and strategic direction, highlighting the need for potential changes to regain competitive strength on the international stage.
"It's not up to me...at high-level football there's a very fine line between success and failure." - Gregg Berhalter