Berhalter excited for USA to face Colombia before Copa America
US men's national team coach Gregg Berhalter is excited to face Colombia in a crucial June tuneup for the Copa America as the Americans prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
The June 8 friendly at FedEx Field in suburban Washington will be the first USA match at the home of the NFL's Washington Commanders since 2012, when nearly 68 000 watched Brazil defeat the United States 4-1.
The Colombians are on a 19-match unbeaten streak and will try to capture a second Copa America title after winning on home soil in 2001.
"Colombia is a formidable opponent. We're excited for this opportunity," Berhalter said. "This game will be the starting point for a fantastic summer."
Los Cafeteros rank third in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with three wins and three draws in six matches.
"They've been a standout team in World Cup qualifying and showcase some of the world's top talent," Berhalter said.
They failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after reaching the last 16 in 2018 and delivering a best-ever quarterfinals run in 2014.
"We want to play Colombia because they are one of the best teams in the world right now," Berhalter said. "This is a team that went from disappointment to flourish. It will be a good challenge for us before Copa America."
The match will come 12 days before the Copa America opener in Atlanta, featuring Lionel Messi's Argentina – the reigning World Cup and Copa America champion.
The tournament comprises 10 South American nations and six North American teams, and will be held in 14 venues across 10 US states.
The Americans could face Colombia in a Copa America quarterfinal.
"We're getting information when we play them," Berhalter said. "If we do play them, we're even better prepared.
"What we want to do is
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