The U.S. men’s national soccer team is gearing up to compete in Copa América, which will be hosted in the United States and broadcast on FOX Sports as part of the “Summer of Soccer” event. The team will kick off its first match on June 23 against Bolivia. After the drama of the team’s exit from the 2022 World Cup has settled down, coach Gregg Berhalter hopes to have his squad prepared for the draw. The U.S. is ranked 11th in the FIFA Rankings and will also face Panama and Uruguay in its group. Former soccer stars and FOX Sports analysts Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden emphasized the importance of the tournament for the U.S. team.
Lalas believes that this summer is crucial for changing the perception of the U.S. team and proving their ability to compete with top teams. Despite the team’s growth and players competing in top teams and leagues globally, Lalas feels that they need a moment to live up to expectations of consistently competing and defeating elite teams. Copa América provides the U.S. with the chance to face formidable opponents such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Holden also expressed excitement about the opportunity for the U.S. to compete against South American powerhouses, which they don’t usually face in tournaments like the Gold Cup. He sees this summer as a pivotal moment to assess the team’s potential and readiness for the 2026 World Cup.
The analysts believe that Copa América is significant not only for the players and coach but also for fans to have genuine hope and belief in the team’s capabilities. Holden stressed the importance of this summer in determining whether the U.S. team has a real chance in the 2026 World Cup and can make a significant impact in the sport. The tournament provides a platform for the team to prove themselves against top competition and showcase their potential for the future. Both Lalas and Holden highlighted the importance of this summer for the growth and evolution of soccer in the United States.
Copa América offers the U.S. team the opportunity to face elite teams and compete at a high level, which is crucial for their development and progress in international soccer. The competition against top South American teams like Brazil and Argentina will test the U.S. players and provide valuable experience. The analysts emphasized the significance of this summer in shaping the team’s trajectory and building momentum towards future success. With the spotlight on the U.S. team during Copa América, they have the chance to make a statement and establish themselves as contenders in the global soccer landscape.
As the U.S. men’s national soccer team prepares for Copa América, the focus is on delivering a strong performance and proving their ability to compete with top teams. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for the team to showcase their talent, build confidence, and gain experience against formidable opponents. Lalas and Holden emphasized the importance of this summer for changing perceptions, inspiring fans, and establishing the U.S. team as a formidable force in international soccer. With high expectations and aspirations for success, the U.S. team is eager to make their mark in Copa América and pave the way for future achievements.
