GOAL breaks down what the U.S. could look like when the next major tournament rolls around next summer.
The U.S. men's national team's 2023 summer schedule is now over. They lifted a Nations League trophy, topping Mexico and Canada in memorable wins, but then a heavily-rotated team fell short in the Gold Cup. There's still plenty left to do this year, though, from Gregg Berhalter's first matches back in charge against Uzbekistan and Oman, friendlies against Germany and Ghana and then some Nations League matches to close the year.
There's plenty of soccer to be played this year, of course, and plenty of storylines left to unfold, from Berhalter's initial lineup decisions to a series of major transfers. Still, from the moment Panama's final penalty kick hit the back of the net in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, all eyes turned towards one thing: the Copa America.
South America's premier tournament is coming stateside in 2024 and, while participants still haven't been confirmed as we await results from the Nations League, it's a safe bet to assume the U.S. will be there.
The Copa America is very much the USMNT's big moment this cycle, the one real chance for this team to get competitive fixtures on the road to 2026. With no World Cup qualifying necessary and big-time friendlies far less common than in years past, the U.S. won't have many big moments to truly prepare for the world's biggest tournament hitting home soil.
Because of that, the Copa America is paramount. Berhalter and co. will get the chance to go against opponents like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and the list goes on. Running the gauntlet of South American teams will be difficult, for sure, but there is confidence that the U.S. can make some sort of run when the tournament gets going next summer.
Picking a squad won't be easy, and much can change over the next year. There's also the added complication of the 2024 Olympics, which could see several of the USMNT's younger stars and seasoned veterans head to Paris rather than compete in the Copa America. It remains to be seen how the USMNT will balance it all, but the team's top stars will no doubt be on full display against South America's finest next summer.
With that said, GOAL takes a look at what the USMNT lineup could look like and which players could jump into the XI by next summer:
(Players with * are also Olympic eligible)
GettyGK: Matt Turner
This one is pretty obvious. Turner is the current USMNT No. 1 and he likely will be this summer.
Part of that is because of his play, as Turner continues to be fantastic every time he puts on a USMNT shirt. The other part is that, at the moment, there really isn't anyone to challenge him, as the rest of the goalkeeping pool isn't really playing at the highest level.
Still, we'll have to see how many games Turner plays between now and next summer as his role at Arsenal may have an impact on this race.
In contention: Zack Steffen, Gaga Slonina*, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath
AdvertisementGettyLB: Antonee Robinson
He's recently signed a new contract at Fulham, leaving no doubt about his future. Robinson is clearly comfortable at Craven Cottage, and that's good news as he looks ahead to the Copa America.
The key question, though, has to do with his backup. For some time, the U.S. has looked for someone to fill that role. It appears they have it in DeJuan Jones, who should get another opportunity in the fall.
In contention: DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin*
GettyCB: Tim Ream
We'll have to see if Father Time does ever catch up with him but, if it doesn't, he'll be there next summer.
The Fulham star was fantastic at the World Cup and even better in the Premier League last season, which is why he's still here even at age 35. There are younger options on their way up, of course, but if Ream can continue on at a high level, can the U.S. really move on?
In contention: Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty
GettyCB: Chris Richards
If the Nations League was any indication, Richards is coming for this spot.
He'll need to kick on at Crystal Palace, for sure, but his performances earlier this summer offered a glimpse into how good he can be. He's been tabbed as a future USMNT star for years, and this may be the season where he proves it.
In contention: Cameron Carter-Vickers,Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal*