U.S. captain Tyler Adams will be available in a limited role for the Americans' friendly game against Brazil on Wednesday night, while forward Josh Sargent will miss his second consecutive match ahead of the Copa America. Adams, a 25-year-old defensive midfielder, recently returned to play after recovering from a torn right hamstring that required surgery. He is expected to play under 45 minutes in the upcoming match. On the other hand, Sargent, 24, who scored 16 goals in 26 league games for Norwich, will not participate due to ongoing recovery from foot swelling.
The U.S. team, coming off a 5-1 loss to Colombia, faces a challenging history against Brazil, having lost 11 consecutive games and holding a 1-18 record against the Selecao. Despite the recent defeat, coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized the importance of focusing on preparation for the upcoming Copa America tournament rather than solely on results.
The U.S. will kick off their Copa America campaign against Bolivia on June 23 in Arlington, Texas, followed by matches against Panama and Uruguay. Berhalter, when asked about his job security leading up to the 2026 World Cup, emphasized the team's potential and the need to deliver strong performances against top opponents.
He expressed confidence in the team's abilities and stressed the importance of translating that potential into on-field success. Berhalter sees the current squad as a talented group capable of competing with elite teams but highlighted the necessity of consistent performances to achieve positive outcomes.
As the U.S. team continues its preparations for the Copa America, the focus remains on building momentum and refining their game plan to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming tournament.
