The must watch American players who could play in CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™

 

• The Americans begin the tournament against Bolivia on June 23rd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
• This will be the United States’ fifth time competing in CONMEBOL Copa América™, and the second time they’ve hosted the tournament.

The United States is hosting its second ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ and these three stars will be instrumental in guiding the Stars and Stripes to another good showing on their home soil. 

Tickets are still available to see the U.S. begin their historic CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™ journey against Bolivia on June 23rd. Tickets are available here.  

Christian Pulisic  

‘Captain America’ aptly captains the U.S. Men’s National Team and has been widely regarded as the leader of this ‘golden generation’ of American players. This will be Pulisic’s second CONMEBOL Copa América™ after appearing in  CONMEBOL Copa América Céntenario™ where the United States finished 4th. At just 17-years-old, a month before playing in his first CONMEBOL Copa América™, Pulisic became the United States’ youngest ever goal scorer when he scored against his 2024 tournament opening match opponent Bolivia in a friendly match at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.  

Pulisic has gone on to make over 65 caps for the USMNT, winning three Concacaf Nations Leagues and appearing in his first World Cup in 2022.  

Pulisic was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and joined legendary German club Borussia Dortmund in 2015. He would then make his senior debut for BVB in 2016 and establish himself as one of the world’s most exciting young players. His play in the Bundesliga would earn him a move to English giants Chelsea FC, where he’d go on to win the Champions League during the 2020-21 season.  

During Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City, the young winger became the first American to play in a Champions League final. Pulisic’s time at Chelsea was filled with mountains and valleys, as injuries often halted the young Americans momentum at the London club just when it seemed to be picking up steam.  

This season, the U.S.’s captain moved to A.C. Milan where he enjoyed a highly successful first season in Italy, scoring 10 goals and registering 6 assists in Serie A. The 25-year-old will look to take the positive momentum from his Club season, and recent success with the national team, having just won the Concacaf Nations League over rivals Mexico, into this year’s CONMEBOL Copa América™.  

Weston McKennie  

Already one of the United States’ most important players, McKennie’s importance to his country could be amplified even more during this year’s CONMEBOL Copa América™.  

McKennie began his youth career in the academy of Major League Soccer club FC Dallas before making a move to former Bundesliga side, Schalke 04. Just like his compatriot Pulisic, the young midfielder began his professional career in Germany, playing for Schalke for four seasons before making a move to arguably Serie A’s most successful club, Juventus. Besides a brief loan at Leeds United, McKennie has spent the last five seasons in Turin, regularly appearing in the Champions League. This season has proven to be his best yet in Italy, as the midfielder has recorded a career high seven assists in Serie A so far.  

Known for his “Harry Potter” goal celebration and exuberant personality, McKennie has become one of the United States most popular and important players on and off the field. 

Going into this year’s CONMEBOL Copa América™, McKennie’s versatility could become a key storyline to the U.S.’s success. With regular USMNT right back Sergino Dest missing the tournament because of injury, it could see U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter look to McKennie to fill the void on the right side of the defense. McKennie deputized at right back as recently as this year’s Concacaf Nations League semi-final against Jamaica and he could be the solution there again when the U.S. take on Bolivia on June 23 during their opening CONMEBOL Copa América™ match.  

Tyler Adams 

The pride of Wappinger, New York, Tyler Adams has proven to be one of his country’s most talented players. Adam’s was named the captain of the United States during his first World Cup appearance in 2022, and his leadership skills are well known across international and club soccer. Typically deployed as a defensive midfielder, Adams tenacity and defensive prowess have earned him moves to the Bundesliga and the Premier League after beginning his career at MLS side New York Red Bulls.  

Currently with Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, Adams’ began his European career in Germany at RB Leipzig. After four seasons at Leipzig, the New York native moved to England and joined Leeds United where he enjoyed a personally successful first season before an injury ended his season.  

This same injury has kept him on the sideline for most of his time at Bournemouth as well, although he was still healthy enough to play in the Concacaf Nations League final where he scored arguably the goal of the tournament, before being subbed off at halftime. The biggest storyline for Adams going into CONMEBOL Copa América™ will be his health and if he’ll be 100% going into the tournament. If he is, it will be a major boost in the United States’ goal of becoming the first nation outside of South America to win CONMEBOL Copa América™.

 

Fotos: US Soccer