USMNT opponent scouting reports: Bolivia, Panama, Uruguay formation, style, best players, what to know

The US men’s national team will have to wait until Sunday to begin their Copa América campaign against Bolivia in Texas, but Gregg Berhalter’s men will like their chances of finishing in the top two in Group C, with Uruguay the main rival. Facing Panama before Marcelo Bielsa’s Celeste is ideal as it gives the Stars and Stripes the chance to get points on the board and a possible quarter-final place secured before facing their tougher opponent – ​​on paper. A place in the quarterfinals would take the USMNT to Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay or Costa Rica, with the Brazilians and Colombians most likely to finish in the top two positions in Group D.

First, though, everyone needs to step up, which means focusing on the USMNT’s Group C rivals.

Bolivia (Sunday, June 23 at 6pm ET)

The USMNT’s first opponent won’t strike fear into many US soccer fans, but the Bolivians could be the ones to watch in the future, with a host of young talent currently emerging.

• Training: 3-1-4-2
• Ideal XI: Viscarra; Jesus Sagredo, Haquin, José Sagredo; Justinian; Cuéllar, Fernández, Saucedo, Matheus; Menacho, Miranda.
• Form: Antonio Carlo Zago’s men lost 1-0 to Mexico, 3-1 to Ecuador and 3-0 to Colombia in the build-up, which does not bode well and they are second in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, so don’t expect to see them in that either. However, they should not be written off as victories or the USMNT could lose valuable points through complacency.
• Players to watch: Boris Cespedes and Roberto Fernandez are talents based in Europe and some of the most important figures, while Miguel Terceros, Gabriel Villamil and Jaume Cuellar are talented young people who also practice their profession outside their home countries. Cuellar was born in Spain, so he is an example of how Bolivia is beginning to naturalize potential talents to be part of this new generation that is arriving.
• Playing style: A quick look at their formation shows that they are a defensive team, which is not surprising given that Zago himself was a defender. Without the recently retired Marcelo Moreno, there is no obvious goal threat, which is problematic given his vastly superior goalscoring record to all his other international teammates whilst active.
• Forces: This is a young team that suggests they can grow and be stronger in the future and that will be the aim here. However, progress will need to be made and a succession of heavy defeats will not really be considered constructive.
• Weaknesses: This team is mostly based in the country, which suggests that it is difficult for many of these talents to develop properly. The Copa América is an ideal showcase for these players, so that performance can be rewarded with career advancement.
• Best finish: As champions in 1963, runners-up in 1997 and quarter-finals in 2015, Bolivia has pedigree. However, the reality is that three consecutive group stage exits between 2016-2021 make them relatively minnows currently.

Panama (Thursday, June 27 at 6pm ET)

No stranger to the USMNT from the CONCACAF region, this is only Panama’s second appearance in the Copa América and is expected to finish behind the USA and Uruguay. There is more likely to be a battle with Bolivia to avoid finishing in last place.

• Training: 3-4-2-1
• Ideal XI: Mosquera; Harvey, Cordoba, Miller; Murillo, Martinez, Godoy, Davis; Bárcenas, Diaz; Fajardo.
• Form: With a 2-0 win over Guyana, a 3-1 win over Montserrat and a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, a combination of morale-boosting victories met the reality of a defeat to one of the South weaker Americans. The Paraguayans are arguably stronger than Bolivia, which is cause for optimism, but there is a gulf between Panama and Uruguay, as well as the USA.
• Players to watch: Marseille’s Michael Amir Murillo is a big name, while Nashville SC’s Anibal Godoy is the captain and Yoel Barcenas is a familiar face from Mazatlan’s Liga MX, but this is a team with no homegrown talent and several players spread across several continents.
• Playing style: Panama aim to be solid and difficult to break down, which is why much of their approach is based on midfield, which is reflected in the four-man midfield in front of three central defenders. It’s an approach that has been successful when used by the likes of Atalanta BC and RC Lens in Europe, but it requires the necessary quality to work.
• Forces: As mentioned, having most of the team’s main quality players in midfield makes this its most valuable position. However, the setup also dictates that very fit players are needed to truly perform optimally and make the most of this tactical setup.
• Weaknesses: Outside of the starting eleven and even in certain positions, there isn’t much depth, meaning any fitness issues or suspensions could be costly.
• Best finish: There is only one previous match for Panama, with a 2016 group stage showing one win and two losses.

Uruguay (Monday, July 1, 9 p.m. ET)

Arguably the main threat to the USMNT and easily the most recognized team in this group, along with the most prominent coach, La Celeste are strong enough to be considered favorites for first place. Bielsa is overseeing a generational change with the likes of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez coming to the end of their time as their country’s talisman. This changing of the guard means the Uruguayans are a work in progress, even if they have undoubted quality in their ranks.

• Training: 4-2-3-1
• Ideal starting XI: Rochet; Nandez, Giménez, Araújo, Olaza; Bentancur, Ugarte; Pellistri, Valverde, Suarez; Nunez.
• Form: A goalless draw with Costa Rica and a 4-0 thrashing of Mexico led to this tournament, but Uruguay also had a long break before their opening game. Currently second in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bielsa’s men are one of the in-form teams in South American football at the moment.
• Players to watch: Suarez needs little introduction to the North American public, especially now that he is playing alongside Lionel Messi once again for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The former Barcelona and Liverpool star has practically won everything, but she is still motivated enough to keep playing. Current Reds star Darwin Nunez is leading the new generation of talent and has helped ease the blow of Cavani’s retirement. Federico Valverde won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and regularly faces Barcelona and Ronald Araujo in La Liga, where Los Blancos also became champions under Valverde.
• Playing style: Normally, Bielsa’s teams almost always have a fast pace and are very physical until they break physically, which we saw at Leeds United, but also at Olympique de Marseille. Uruguay’s natural attributes suit this philosophy well, whilst the fact that it is international football makes Bielsa’s approach semi-sustainable, which is not the case at club level.
• Forces: With so much quality based in Europe, Uruguay undoubtedly have one of the strongest pedigrees in the Copa América and recognizable talent in every position. With a world-renowned coach like Bielsa, it’s easy to see why many consider them favorites to finish above the USMNT in Group C.
• Weaknesses: Despite many talents appearing, there is still an excessive dependence on the veteran Suarez in attack. Cavani may be gone now, an aging talent who has moved on, but this team will only be given the real baton when their talisman says goodbye after an impressive career for club and country.
• Best finish: The Uruguayans are 15-time winners, which is the best joint result with current champions Argentina and La Celeste most recently won in 2011.