It's a huge international break for the U.S., who are competing for a third consecutive trophy in this competition while having one eye on the summer
It's a big year for the U.S. men's national team. All eyes are on the Copa America, the biggest tournament the team will play in on the road to the 2026 World Cup. It's the ultimate test as we reach this halfway point of the World Cup cycle, a chance for the USMNT starlets to go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the world.
Before that, though, the U.S. has something of a tune-up: the CONCACAF Nations League. Just two games stand between them and a third consecutive trophy to open this tournament's history. Continuing to top the region remains a key benchmark for the U.S. both now and in the future.
That's the macro, but there's plenty of micro to be interested in over the next few days as well. Copa America roster spots are on the line, and there are plenty of players with points to prove on the road to this summer's tournament. Some will be playing for starting roles, while others will be playing for spots in the squad but, overall, there are several players with much at stake, starting with Thursday's semifinal against Jamaica.
With that said, GOAL look at which USMNT players will be under the most pressure to perform in the CONCACAF Nations League…
Getty ImagesFolarin Balogun
Life in Monaco hasn't quite gone to plan for Balogun, at least so far. After dominating Ligue 1 with Reims last season, the striker's first campaign with his new club has been a bit more muted, as he has scored just five times in the league so far this season.
It's been almost a year since Balogun committed to the U.S., and though the new shine hasn't worn off yet, with other strikers in the pool thriving, it's safe to say that the No.9 race is tighter than it was just a few months ago.
Balogun can answer any questions about him being the Copa America starter with a strong camp here. The likes of Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and Josh Sargent aren't going away, particularly if they can keep scoring at their current rates, but Balogun remains in pole position. If he can get a goal or two in these Nations League games, he'll keep his position relatively secure heading into the summer.
A rough window, though, would open up questions about how he fits into this team. Could Pepi offer more? Is Sargent too hot to bench? Could Wright open different doors? For Balogun, this camp represents a chance to prevent those questions from even being asked.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesGio Reyna
At one point during his spell at Chelsea, Christian Pulisic said that the USMNT was his escape. When things weren't going well at club level, he knew he'd have the national team, which presented him a place to reunite with friends and rediscover whatever confidence had been lost in west London.
The hope now will be that Reyna can use the USMNT in the same way, especially considering the fact that his club situation has been way, way worse than Pulisic's ever was. Reyna has hardly played since joining Nottingham Forest on loan in January, ensuring that he enters USMNT camp with little to nothing really going for him on the field.
He'll certainly be frustrated with how everything has gone at club level throughout this season, having been unable to really get going at either Borussia Dortmund or Forest. The fastest way to change that is to enjoy a big international break. If Reyna can be a difference-maker for the USMNT, Forest and manager Nuno Espirito Sato will surely take have to take notice as they look to avoid relegation.
It seems this international break comes at a good point for Reyna, who can use it as the springboard he so desperately needs to finally get his 2024 up and running.
GettyMatt Turner
Like Reyna, Turner hasn't been playing at Forest. He lost his starring spot a few weeks back, and it's hard to really see him regaining it before the end of the campaign.
He remains the USMNT's No.1, though, but it's up to him to prove that he should stay there, even if it's hard to see Turner losing that job any time soon. Players like Ethan Horvath and Zack Steffen only just found new homes after long spells on the sidelines, and it'll take sustained periods of success to unseat Turner.
Drake Callender and Patrick Schulte, meanwhile are a bit too new to usurp him, and it seems Gaga Slonina is destined to start in the Olympics, and thus will sit out the Copa. Right now, there really isn't anyone who can hope to unseat Turner by the time the Copa kicks off.
That's not to say this month isn't important, though. When you aren't getting minutes, every chance to play is important, and that counts doubly for goalkeepers. It's key to establish some kind of rhythm, even if it's just two games, and having made a few blunders this season, these games feel important for Turner to get some confidence back heading into the summer.
Another mistake, though, will leave Turner with plenty to think about. And, with the Copa countdown on, the U.S. will need Turner feeling as confident as possible if they're to compete with the likes of Argentina and Brazil.
Getty ImagesJohnny Cardoso
After years of treading water, Cardoso is soaring now. His transition to La Liga since joining Real Betis in January has been seamless, and now we'll get to find out if he can be the Tyler Adams back-up the USMNT needs.
There's no guarantee that Cardoso will start these two games, as Gregg Berhalter could potentially go with a No.10 rather than a No.6 in midfield. If Berhalter does want to go with a more defensive option, though, Cardoso is the natural option to start, presuming Adams is unable to as he works his way back to full fitness.
Cardoso has earned nine caps so far, five of which came in 2023, but we've never really seen him get an extended runout in big games. This is his chance, then, to really vault himself into a good place heading into the Copa America.