It’s been 17 months for the reason that U.S. males’s nationwide group confronted off with a CONMEBOL opponent and in contrast to their final showdown with Colombia again in January 2023, Gregg Berhalter’s squad will likely be utilizing Saturday’s assembly as a serious constructing block for what’s on the horizon.
The USMNT welcomes Colombia to Commanders Area on Saturday within the first of two pre-Copa America friendlies for each international locations. After successful the CONCACAF Nations League title for the third-straight time final March, the Individuals are able to get again to work forward of a aggressive match this summer time.
Whereas a powerful exhibiting within the Copa America is a serious aim for Berhalter and his gamers, many consider this summer time’s match will likely be a great take a look at for what’s to come back on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“That is preparation for the World Cup,” defender Chris Richards mentioned to media in regards to the Copa America and June pleasant schedule. “After all no matter match, no matter recreation we’re taking part in in we wish to win. However we’re taking part in for one thing greater. We’re attempting to prepare for the World Cup.”
“For us, this isn’t the tip all, be all. Our aim is the 2026 World Cup…It is a constructing step for us to get there,” USMNT ahead Haji Wright mentioned. “To get on the pitch in opposition to high-profile groups which are of nice high quality..so we are able to construct as a bunch and have that have after we come into the 2026 World Cup.”
The Individuals have loads of European expertise again at their disposal this summer time together with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Antonee Robinson. Not like their January 2023 showdown with Colombia (which got here exterior of a FIFA worldwide window), the USMNT will face a a lot more durable take a look at in opposition to an opponent ranked simply three spots behind them within the World Rankings.
Colombia hasn’t misplaced a match in its final 21 alternatives, successful six-in-a-row, which featured World Cup Qualifying triumphs over Brazil and Paraguay final November. Nestor Lorenzo’s squad have earned 12 factors out of 18 accessible in World Cup Qualifying to this point, remaining as the one CONMEBOL nation to haven’t but suffered a defeat.
Luis Diaz, Rafael Borre, and James Rodriguez headline a harmful trio of attackers for Colombia whereas Davinson Sanchez and Santiago Arias anchor an skilled defensive corps.
“Colombia is a really tough opponent, each recreation they play with quite a lot of depth,” midfielder Yunus Musah instructed reporters. “They’re very bodily, particularly within the protection, and I believe they [have] quite a lot of expertise in assault too.”
“You have a look at their playmakers like Luis Diaz and it’s a robust group,” Berhalter mentioned Friday in his pre-match press convention. “They haven’t gone undefeated in 18 matches for nothing. They’re a very bodily group, actually robust defensively. What I actually like is how they get well when strain is damaged. They get 7-8 guys again instantly in entrance of the penalty field to make it actually tough to penetrate. I believe it’s going to be an excellent take a look at for us.”
Regardless of being on the mountaintop of latest CONCACAF competitions, the USMNT will definitely have strain on them over the subsequent month. The Individuals completed fourth within the 2016 Copa America, struggling a 4-0 hammering to Lionel Messi and Argentina within the semifinals earlier than being blanked 1-0 by Colombia within the third-place match.
Solely Pulisic and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath have been a part of the 2016 roster, whereas many others have been nonetheless ready to earn their first senior caps with this system. The USMNT may not be favored to win the Copa America on house soil, however a powerful efficiency in opposition to Colombia might be the proper begin of defying these odds.
“You at all times wish to carry out to the very best of your talents. That’s one thing you wish to do. However for us, the main focus is on efficiency,” fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers mentioned. “Clearly Colombia is an efficient group..It’s nearly looking for that good efficiency degree..simply attempting to maximise probably the most studying that we are able to.”