United States men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that all 26 players are available for Sunday’s Copa América opener against Bolivia. Despite concerns over the fitness levels of midfielder Tyler Adams and forward Josh Sargent, Berhalter assured reporters that everyone will be ready to play some role in the upcoming match. This is a crucial reassurance for the team as they prepare to kick off their campaign in the tournament.
Josh Sargent, who last played for his club Norwich City on May 16, suffered a foot injury and did not participate in the USMNT’s June friendlies leading up to Copa América. However, he was named to the final roster and is expected to contribute to the team’s efforts. On the other hand, Tyler Adams has had limited playing time for Bournemouth last season due to a hamstring injury and back spasms. Despite these setbacks, Adams played the final 14 minutes in the USMNT’s draw against Brazil and has been praised by teammates for his sharpness and leadership qualities.
The playing surface at AT&T Stadium has been praised by both Berhalter and U.S. defender Chris Richards, who emphasized its quality and suitability for the upcoming match. Unlike the criticism faced by the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the tournament opener, the surface at AT&T Stadium is expected to provide a conducive environment for the players, including Adams and Sargent.
Berhalter anticipates a tough challenge from Bolivia in the Copa América opener, noting that teams like Bolivia often excel in major tournaments like Copa América. With Panama and Uruguay also in the group stage, the USMNT will face different styles of play and will need to adapt to succeed. Berhalter emphasized the importance of being able to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, a key factor in achieving success in the tournament.
Despite concerns over the fitness of key players like Tyler Adams and Josh Sargent, the United States men’s national team is gearing up for their Copa América opener with confidence. The availability of all 26 players, combined with the positive feedback on the pitch conditions at AT&T Stadium, bodes well for the team’s prospects in the tournament. As they face tough challenges from Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay, adaptability and defensive solidity will be crucial for the USMNT to make an impact in Copa América.
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