The US, as the tournament hosts, were defeated 1-0 by Uruguay, finishing third in Group C, with only the top two teams advancing.
Uruguay secured the top spot, earning a place in the quarter-finals, while Panama’s 3-1 victory over Bolivia allowed them to advance as Group C runners-up.
“We’re bitterly disappointed in the results,” said US coach Gregg Berhalter. His team won their opening match against Bolivia but then suffered losses to 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.”
(Photo: Gregg Berhalter/Alamy)
When asked if he believed he was the right person to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico, Berhalter responded, “Yes.”
Uruguay won all three of their group matches, with Mathias Olivera scoring the decisive goal against the US in Kansas City. “You have to keep moving forward,” Berhalter said.
He was re-appointed as US men’s team coach in June 2023 after an internal investigation into his conduct following allegations made during the 2022 World Cup.
“It’s not where you say, OK, this program is doomed. That’s not the case at all. It was a poor performance, we didn’t get the results that we expected and we need to get better.”
However, US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker stated that the team’s performance at Copa America “fell short of our expectations” and emphasized that they “must do better”.
He added, “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.”
Uruguay will face the second-placed team from Group D in the quarter-finals, while Panama will play the group winners.
Colombia leads Group D with six points, followed by Brazil with four points. They will play each other in their final group match at 02:00 BST on Wednesday.
