The U.S. males’s nationwide staff loved loads of profitable moments in 2023 and with added competitions coming in 2024, head coach Gregg Berhalter might be hoping comparable success can happen within the new 12 months.
Copa America, CONCACAF Nations League, and the Paris Olympics will all be on the USMNT’s schedule in 2024, offering ample alternatives to arrange the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Each the Copa America and the Nations League Remaining 4 might be on American soil too, including a home-field benefit for the USMNT in each competitions.
Along with competitions, the continued development within the squad may also be one thing to regulate. Between the ever-changing No. 9 race to the continued battles for beginning middle again spots, we’ll absolutely see ample gamers known as in all year long.
Here’s a nearer take a look at what to observe for in 2024:
Copa America on house soil
With no World Cup Qualifying cycle coming for the USMNT, the 2024 Copa America turns into that rather more vital for Gregg Berhalter and his squad.
Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia headline a gifted CONMEBOL federation that might be making their technique to the US subsequent summer season. It’ll mark the People’ fifth-ever involvement within the competitors and their first because the 2016 Copa America Centenario, which was additionally on house soil.
The USMNT will wish to show itself in opposition to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Co. and what higher technique to do it in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi headline No. 9 race
The U.S. males’s nationwide staff has two thriving candidates to say the No. 9 job in 2024, however the return of a number of injured gamers may also develop the competitors for minutes.
Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi enter the brand new 12 months because the favorites to guide Berhalter’s line after that includes closely in 2023. Balogun scored three objectives and added two assists in eight USMNT caps since committing his future to his nation of beginning.
He has additionally proven optimistic moments for AS Monaco since making a everlasting transfer from Arsenal this previous summer season.
Pepi netted seven objectives in 10 USMNT caps final 12 months, primarily contributing off the bench in Nations League and pleasant play. Just like Balogun, Pepi additionally made a change at membership stage, having fun with a bigger position at PSV than he did at Augsburg.
Josh Sargent and Daryl Dike are two long-term absentees that might be within the combine to get again to their greatest in 2024, whereas FC Dallas’ Jesus Ferreira and FC Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez are additionally attacking choices for Berhalter to think about once more.
Haji Wright loved a powerful first half of the EFL Championship season with Coventry Metropolis and might be pushing to get into the squad long-term.
The USMNT definitely has depth on the No. 9 place this 12 months, however finally it’s going to come all the way down to which approach Berhalter goes?
Gio Reyna’s long-term USMNT position
Gio Reyna’s future at Borussia Dortmund could also be worrying, however his future with the USMNT has not seemed brighter.
Reyna appeared in eight USMNT matches final 12 months, scoring three objectives and including two assists in all competitions. He helped the People win the Nations League title final summer season earlier than additionally serving to the USMNT clinch their return to the match semifinals.
Reyna’s return to full health has definitely been essential to his manufacturing with the USMNT, however the rekindling of his relationship with Berhalter is equally as vital.
The USMNT will certainly want Reyna if it desires to choose up a number of trophies in 2024 and it is going to be fascinating to see whether or not or not the 21-year-old makes a membership transfer in January.
Who would be the centerback pairing?
From Tim Ream to Chris Richards to Miles Robinson, Gregg Berhalter has loads of choices at centerback in 2024, however the actual query is, who would be the starters?
The USMNT has ample depth within the coronary heart of their protection, with youth headlining the group. Richards, Robinson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie will all battle for minutes in 2024, particularly after holding constant jobs at membership stage.
Ream stays a veteran presence within the squad, whereas Hoffenheim’s John Brooks may be within the combine this 12 months. Nashville SC’s Walker Zimmerman may also doubtless be thought-about after that includes closely throughout Berhalter’s reign as head coach.
Don’t neglect about U-23 choices Jalen Neal, Brandan Craig, and Jonathan Tomkinson as nicely.
Will anybody push Matt Turner for the No. 1 goalie job?
Matt Turner enters 2024 because the USMNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper, however will anybody push him for the beginning job?
Turner made 13 begins for the USMNT final 12 months, having fun with 9 victories and posting seven clear sheets. Nonetheless, his up-and-down first half of the season with Nottingham Forest is a fear heading into March’s CONCACAF Nations League schedule.
Ethan Horvath and Zack Steffen are out of motion with their respective golf equipment and can doubtless must do so much to get again in kind. Horvath and Steffen each may very well be on the transfer in January, with hopes of incomes constant taking part in time elsewhere.
Gabriel Slonina has continued to play frequently in Belgium and may very well be within the combine to be a part of the squad long-term. MLS shot-stoppers Drake Callender and Roman Celentano are coming off optimistic 2023 campaigns, as is U-23 prospect Chris Brady.
Turner could be pushed for the No. 1 job, nevertheless it appears unlikely he might be pushed out of the position until his kind takes a serious dip on the worldwide stage.
What is going to you be monitoring in 2024? Are there any positions you can be conserving a better eye on? Who do you see making a serious splash with the USMNT this 12 months?
Share your ideas under.