Can USMNT still qualify for the knockout stage at Copa America after humiliating loss to Panama?

The US men's national team's match against Uruguay will be a must-win one for the team, in order to qualify to the knock-outs.

Can USMNT still qualify for the knockout stage at Copa America after humiliating loss to Panama?

USMNT's defeat to Panama reduced their chances of qualifying to the knock-outs. (via IMAGO)

USMNT’s loss to Panama on the second match day complicated their chances of making it through to the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa America. Let’s take a look at the multiple qualification scenarios that would see the host nation through to the quarter-finals.

After a 2-1 loss to Panama in their second Copa America game, Group C has become challenging for the US men’s national team. They remain in second place due to goal difference, but Uruguay’s win over Bolivia has set up an interesting scenario for the final matchday. Goals from Cesar Blackman and Jose Fajardo secured Panama’s win, despite the US taking an early lead through Folarin Balogun.

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The USA will face Uruguay on Monday after the South Americans already qualified for the knockout rounds, while Panama will face Bolivia. The USMNT can qualify in three possible scenarios. Firstly, if the US wins they will advance as long as Panama draws or loses. However, if Panama wins, the US can still advance but must have a superior goal difference than their rivals. Secondly, if the US draws against Uruguay, they will only advance if Panama draws or loses.

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Additionally, in the third and most complex scenario, if the USMNT loses, they will advance only if Panama also loses and the US maintains a better goal difference. For example, if the US loses 4-0 and Panama loses 1-0, Panama will advance.

USMNT’s maturity issues revealed in Copa America defeat to Panama

Coming into the 2024 Copa America, the USMNT was expected to demonstrate confidence from its strong 2022 World Cup performance and move closer to the top. However, their 2-1 defeat to Panama exposed significant shortcomings and lack of maturity.

USMNT lack of maturity
USMNT displayed a lack of maturity against Panama. (via IMAGO)

Despite claiming to be prepared for whatever Panama might throw at them, the US seemed unable to handle pressure during crucial moments. Timothy Weah‘s aggressive play resulted in a red card in the 18th minute for a tackle on defender Roderick Miller, potentially impacting the outcome for the USA. They struggled to control the game, with Panama dictating terms both tactically and emotionally. 

The USMNT struggled to maintain possession throughout the game, and their experience did not prove beneficial, particularly against CONCACAF opponents. A lot now rests on captain Christian Pulisic, who scored a brilliant goal during the team’s first match against Bolivia.

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