The Americans fail to get out of group play after a 1-0 defeat on a questionable second-half goal by Mathías Olivera, a loss that will increase pressure on U.S. Soccer to remove Coach Gregg Berhalter before the 2026 World Cup.
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo, left, and Team USA’s Tim Ream battle for possession of the ball during their Copa America Group C match on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Gio Reyna of the United States, left, is challenged by Uruguay’s Facundo Pellistri during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Chris Richards of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Nicolas De La Cruz jump for a header during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Chris Richards of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Nicolas De La Cruz battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera, right, and Folarin Balogun of the United States battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez, (19) is challenged by Tyler Adams (4), of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Ricardo Pepi of United States controls the ball against Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (19) advances the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match against the United States, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Matt Turner of United States kicks the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo jump for a header during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Weston McKennie of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo jump for a header during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Team USA fans cheer during the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Nicolas De La Cruz of Uruguay and Weston McKennie of United States battle for the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo (20) heads the ball against Chris Richards (3), of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay interim coach Diego Reyes, right, gives instructions during a Copa America Group C soccer match against the United States, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (19) controls the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match between against the United States, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Joe Scally, left, of the United States, and Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo, right, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Tim Ream and Tyler Adams of United States challenge for the ball with Darwin Nuñez of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Joe Scally, left, of the United States, and Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Tyler Adams of the United States grimaces in pain after he was fouled during a Copa America Group C soccer match against Uruguay in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Tyler Adams of the United States results injured during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tyler Adams of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States directs his players during a Copa America Group C soccer match against Uruguay in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo is carried off the pitch on a stretcher after getting injured during a Copa America Group C soccer match against United States in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Pablo Quiroga coach of Uruguay gives the team instructions during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Nicolas De La Cruz of Uruguay challenges for the ball with Chris Richards of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Joe Scally of United States challenges for the ball with Maximiliano Araujo of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic of United States reacts during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie of United States kicks the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Nicolas De La Cruz (7) is challenged by Chris Richards (3),of the United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (19) is challenged by Chris Richards, left, of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Folarin Balogun of United States challenges for the ball with Mathias Olivera of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Matias Vina, left, heads against Joe Scally (22), of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Folarin Balogun of United States challenges for the ball with Mathias Olivera of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Joe Scally of United States challenges for the ball with Maximiliano Araujo of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cameron Carter-Vickers of United States challenges for the ball with Darwin Nuñez of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun of United States challenges for the ball with Ronald Araujo of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tim Ream of United States challenges for the ball with Nicolas De La Cruz of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun of the United States, center, Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, bottom, and Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo collide while fighting for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet gets medical assistance after colliding with Folarin Balogun of the United States (20), during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Christian Pulisic of United States looks on during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo falls while fighting for the ball with Folarin Balogun of the United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo falls while fighting for the ball with Folarin Balogun of the United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Folarin Balogun of United States challenges for the ball with Ronald Araujo of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Chris Richards of United States heads the ball against Nicolas De La Cruz of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (19) collides with Joe Scally (22), of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez, right, advances the ball against Tyler Adams, front left, of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (19) collides with Joe Scally (22), of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Joe Scally of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Cristian Olivera battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Joe Scally of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Cristian Olivera battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Folarin Balogun of the United States, left, and Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
An Uruguayan fan wtches a Copa America Group C soccer match between United States and Uruguay in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Facundo Pellistri of Uruguay battles for possession with Gio Reyna of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
United States fans cheer as they watch a Copa America Group C soccer match between United States and Uruguay in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Federico Valverde, left, is challenged by Gio Reyna, right, of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Federico Valverde, left, is challenged by Gio Reyna, right, of the United States, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Ricardo Pepi of United States challenges for the ball with Nahitan Nandez of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie, left, of the United States, and Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte, right, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Sergio Rochet of Uruguay holds the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Gio Reyna of the United States, bottom, and Uruguay’s Federico Valverde (15), battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Nahitan Nandez of Uruguay kicks the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez, left, and Gio Reyna of the United States battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo, second from right, leaps as he celebrates after a goal by Mathias Olivera, right, during a Copa America Group C soccer match against the United States, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera, center, celebrates with teammate Matias Vina (17), after scoring his side’s opening goal against United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s opening goal against United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo (4) celebrates after a goal by Mathias Olivera during a Copa America Group C soccer match against the United States, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Ronald Araujo of Uruguay celebrates the team’s first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach of United States speaks with Weston McKennie of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Federico Valverde of Uruguay challenges for the ball with Gio Reyna of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Joe Scally of United States receives medical treatment during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic of United States and Matias Viña of Uruguay battle for the ball during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Fans of United States cheer their team during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Gio Reyna of United States battles for possession with Nahitan Nandez of Uruguay during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Christian Pulisic of United States reacts during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez, front left, and Gio Reyna, right, of the United States, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Weston McKennie, left, of the United States, and Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araujo, right, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Antonee Robinson, left, of the United States, and Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez, right, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Ricardo Pepi of the United States, front, and Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur, left, and Yunus Musah, right, of the United States, battle for the ball during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay battles for possession with Weston McKennie of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
American star Christian Pulisic, left, argues with referee Kevin Ortega during the team’s 1-0 loss to Uruguay in a Copa America Group C match on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Mathias Olivera of Uruguay battles for possession with Christian Pulisic of United States during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Antonee Robinson, right, of the United States, is defended by Uruguay’s Facundo Pellistri, left, during a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Ricardo Pepi of the United States reacts after the United States was defeated by Uruguay, 1-0, in a Copa America Group C soccer match, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Antonee Robinson of the United States reacts after their 1-0 loss to Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach of United States and Matt Turner of United States look dejected after the team’s elimination during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chris Richards of United States and Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach of United States look dejected after the team’s elimination during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A young Team USA fan waits before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
A Uruguay supporter poses prior to a Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
A Team USA fan smiles before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
A Team USA fan holds a flag before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Fans of Uruguay cheer their team during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group C match between United States and Uruguay at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on July 01, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A young Team USA fan looks on before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
A fan of Uruguay cheers before the team’s Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Team USA fans cheer before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Fans wearing the Caramelo Jr. hats cheer during a Copa America Group C match between Uruguay and the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
A young Team USA fan looks on before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
A Uruguayan fan cheers before the team’s Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Fans greet the U.S. players as they come on to the field before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Fans watch the U.S. players as they take the field before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
Uruguayan fans cheer before the team’s Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)
A fan of Uruguay has her face painted during a Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
A Team USA fan looks on before the team’s Copa America Group C match against Uruguay on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
A Uruguay fan cheers before the team’s Copa America Group C match against the United States on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.
“Yes,” Berhalter said.
Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.
After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter’s lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.
“We’re all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It’s obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively – the staff, the players, the sporting department – have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it’s a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn’t show it.”
Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its Round of 16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the Americans managed only a 2-0 victory over lowly Bolivia and were upset, 2-1, by the Panamanians.
“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”
Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.
Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.
Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.
Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.
“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn’t really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don’t get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”
Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.
During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”
The U.S. next plays September exhibition matches against Canada and New Zealand.
“It wasn’t only Copa America. It’s learning from these high-level games we’re playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”
Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.
Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation – Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance – and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.
It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.
Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.
Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.
In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.
The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue – while still holding the card – as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.
“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I’ve never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he’s got a yellow card in his hand. And it’s literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”
Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed – or even one.
“The U.S. is a very strong team, but if you push us to play tough, we can do that,” Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte said. “And we can play beautiful (attractive) soccer as well. We adapt to the circumstances of the match.”
URUGUAY TAKES THE LEAD
Just seconds after Bolivia tied the game vs Panama, Uruguay scores and the USMNT is back out of Copa América 2024 pic.twitter.com/0IZfEwPzJw
"Do you believe that you still are the right voice, the right person with this group to push it forward ahead of the '26 World Cup and into the '26 World Cup?"
"I'm at a loss for words… Where have we come since 2002?… Where have we progressed? We haven't." @clint_dempsey shares his thoughts after the USMNT's Copa América 2024 exit pic.twitter.com/tE315nHThV
"I see no issue with the direction we're heading. When you have a fight like that on the pitch in every single game we're in in this tournament, it speaks volumes to how the manager prepares us."@JennyTaft talks with USMNT's Matt Turner after being eliminated from Copa América pic.twitter.com/x3eE89M7Um
"I think everybody can see we tried, tried, tried. But at the end of the day we don't make it out, therefore unsuccessful tournament."@JennyTaft catches up with USMNT's Tim Ream after the loss pic.twitter.com/WnhveHvBby
"This is not good enough from Gregg Berhalter… We can't afford to be embarrassed, and we can't afford to arrive in the summer of 2026 with a team that has not progressed, that has not evolved, and has not improved."
"I want somebody in there that is going to bring everybody together." @AlexiLalas speaks on the type of leader he wants the USMNT to have pic.twitter.com/akBD5yxdgU
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: "Yes." pic.twitter.com/0GRg52qW4s
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