5 things we learned from USMNT's Copa America 2024 performance

What a disappointing summer for the U.S. Men's National Team. Two frustrating friendlies translated to a group stage exit for Gregg Berhalter's side with massive questions surrounding the team's direction heading into 2026.

There's one word that perfectly sums up the USMNT's performance at Copa America: failure. The team failed to get out of a group it was predicted to easily. This was supposed to be a showcase and instill hope for what will be the biggest summer ever come 2026 hosting the World Cup. Instead, we're sitting here looking at the team pondering where does it go from here?

Any positive feelings from the 2-0 win over Bolivia were quickly wiped away by losing 2-1 to Panama and 1-0 to Uruguay. The last thing I heard from Berhalter before turning the TV off last night was ramblings about xG. As far as I'm concerned, thanks for everything Gregg. But, despite the failure, there are some positives to takeaway. Not loads, but some.

Here are five things we learned about the USMNT from Copa America 2024.

Gregg Berhalter should not be leading this team anymore

It's easy to criticize the manager, especially this summer if you're a USMNT or England supporter.

This team has not gotten better since the 2022 World Cup. If you want to look at a team and think what the bare minimum is under a manager, improving year-on-year is at the top of the list. This group of players, widely regarded as the best generation of talent ever produced, looked lost at times and that falls on them and Berhalter.

The talent is there with players, but what's not there is a clear identity and style of play instilled from the manager. Some will say dream big and go for Jurgen Klopp, others will say that's downright delusional.

Fans want the United States Soccer Federation to show one thing: ambition.

Folarin Balogun is and should be the starting striker

Balogun earned the starting striker role this tournament, and frankly it showed how much bite this team was missing in the attack when he wasn't on the pitch.

One major takeaway from 2022 was that this team needed a number 9. When Balogun committed to represent the United States, fans immediately thought he was the answer. It took some time and convincing, but after this group stage there should be no more questions. It's unfortunate we won't get to see him take on the likes of Brazil or Colombia in the knockout stage.

Give him the space to grow and mature so when 2026 rolls around, fans are confident and excited to see him start up top. Not to mention, competition for places raises other players' levels.

Who is the USMNT's creative spark?

Clint Dempsey highlighted after USA's loss to Uruguay that this team needs to develop more creative players in the attacking third. Yeah, not necessarily an easy task, but one that no one really disagrees with. Is it Gio Reyna? Can he unlock a low block with a killer pass? Whoever it is, this team needs someone who can take two-to-three players out of a game with a through ball into the box.

Reyna was pushed farther forward against Uruguay with Tim Weah suspended. The attacking trio alongside Balogun and Christian Pulisic looked pretty good, but everyone on the pitch struggled to deal with Uruguay's high intensity pressing.

Joe Scally is more than serviceable at RB

Fans knew coming into the tournament that the team would be without starter Sergino Dest. After some speculation around who would fill in next to Chris Richards, Joe Scally played every friendly and tournament match to a decent level. He had his hands full the past two months, but he proved to be a valuable asset for this team moving forward.

He didn't light the world on fire, and perhaps the player is still second fiddle to Sergino Dest once he's healthy.

Success has already been predefined for 2026

I don't want to get into the whole debate around U.S. Soccer pundits, but one thing has resonated with me from the likes of Herculez Gomez and Alexi Lalas: this generation does not have a signature win/moment yet.

And that's what success is going to be in 2026: have your signature moment on home soil.

Advancing out of the group isn't a signature moment. Other USMNT rosters have done that, this team has done that already. This team must have a moment on no bigger stage: hosting the World Cup.