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It’s been 17 months since the U.S. men’s national team faced off with a CONMEBOL opponent and unlike their last showdown with Colombia back in January 2023, Gregg Berhalter’s squad will be using Saturday’s meeting as a major building block for what’s on the horizon.
The USMNT welcomes Colombia to Commanders Field on Saturday in the first of two pre-Copa America friendlies for both countries. After winning the CONCACAF Nations League title for the third-straight time last March, the Americans are ready to get back to work ahead of a competitive tournament this summer.
While a strong showing in the Copa America is a major goal for Berhalter and his players, many believe this summer’s tournament will be a good test for what’s to come at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This is preparation for the World Cup,” defender Chris Richards said to media about the Copa America and June friendly schedule. “Of course whatever tournament, whatever game we’re playing in we want to win. But we’re playing for something bigger. We’re trying to get ready for the World Cup.”
“For us, this isn’t the end all, be all. Our goal is the 2026 World Cup…This is a building step for us to get there,” USMNT forward Haji Wright said. “To get on the pitch against high-profile teams that are of great quality..so we can build as a group and have that experience when we come into the 2026 World Cup.”
The Americans have plenty of European talent back at their disposal this summer including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Antonee Robinson. Unlike their January 2023 showdown with Colombia (which came outside of a FIFA international window), the USMNT will face a much tougher test against an opponent ranked just three spots behind them in the World Rankings.
Colombia hasn’t lost a match in its last 21 opportunities, winning six-in-a-row, which featured World Cup Qualifying triumphs over Brazil and Paraguay last…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/06/usmnt-prepared-for-physical-colombia-showdown-in-pre-copa-america-friendly
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-06-07 19:02:56
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