United States vs Uruguay

The United States’ hopes of reaching the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals are on the line as they meet Uruguay at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

AC Milan superstar Christian Pulisic urged the United States to deliver ‘the game of our lives’ against Uruguay after Panama’s incredible 2-1 victory on Gamekweek 2 put the tournament hosts in a must-win situation. The USMNT commenced their first Copa America appearance since 2016 with a 2-0 win against Bolivia, a side they could still help them reach the knockouts for the third time in their fifth foray. Gregg Berhalter’s side must better Panama’s result against La Verde to advance into the quarter-finals. If it’s any consolation, the United States’ overall H2H record against Uruguay (W2, D4, L1) gives the host nation hope that they could upset the apple cart in Kansas City. However, winning just once in their last four outings (D1, L2) can’t inspire much confidence.

On the other hand, Uruguay’s outstanding start to the 2024 edition has seen them set one foot in their ninth knockout phase across the last ten Copa Americas. Marcelo Bielsa’s men trounced perennial whipping boys Bolivia 5-0 in the follow-up of a 3-1 thrashing of Panama. As a result, they should progress as group winners unless an unprecedented goal swing on the final day. Free-firing La Celeste started round three as the most prolific team in the tournament, netting at least three goals more than any other side (8). As the joint-most successful nation in Copa America history (15 titles), the Uruguayans seem well-positioned to pursue their first trophy since 2011, incidentally, the last time they progressed beyond the quarter-finals.