The 2024 Copa America is just around the corner before the US men’s national team takes on Panama on June 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The USMNT is hoping to go far in the competition on home soil, and head coach Gregg Berhalter will have to make some tough decisions regarding his starting lineup in late June.
There are the obvious picks like Matt Turner between the posts, Antonee Robinson at left-back and Christian Pulisic taking over on the left wing. However, there are still a few question marks about who will partner in the center of defense and who will join Weston McKennie in the middle of the park.
Here’s how 90min believes the USMNT should compete in this summer’s Copa America.
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner – Despite his inconsistent form at club level with Nottingham Forest, Turner usually shines when it comes to playing for his country.
RB: Joe Scally – With Sergino Dest out indefinitely due to a torn cruciate ligament, the Borussia Mönchengladbach full-back has the chance to show his skills as a right-back.
CB: Chris Richards – Richards has just completed a successful year at Crystal Palace and partners Ream in the backline.
CB: Tim Ream – The veteran defender leads the defensive line in what could be his last major tournament for the USA.
LB: Antonee Robinson – No questions here. The Fulham full-back starts alongside his club colleague Ream and will be one of the first names on Berhalter’s squad list.
CM: Tyler Adams – Should he recover from his current setback in time and avoid further injury, the 25-year-old will anchor the midfield and allow McKennie and Reyna to drive up the pitch.
CM: Weston McKennie – The former Schalke 04 player hopes to carry his incredible club form with Juventus into the tournament and give the USMNT a boost in midfield.
CM: Gio Reyna – If the USA wants to go far in the Copa America, Reyna will definitely play a role by pulling the strings in midfield and connecting defense with attack.
RW: Tim Weah – Like Turner, Weah usually goes the extra mile when he puts on the USA jersey and will be crucial to success on the front line with his exceptional pace and ability to get past his man.
ST: Folarin Balogun – Although the striker position is not yet secured, so to speak, Balogun is the most talented center forward in the USMNT’s ranks and will most likely get the starting XI against Panama.
LW: Christian Pulisic – “Captain America” will aim to lead his country to the top position in the competition and lead by example on the left by providing goals and assists to play in the group stage.