Despite all the craze around the MLS, USMNT got a huge reality check yesterday. The unit faced a thrashing defeat against Colombia in the pre-Copa America friendlies, giving the supporters a huge scare. And this time it’s one of their legends, who has been a voice for the sport in the country, who has given a strong heads-up to them. With the privilege of hosting the prestigious tournament at home, Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT is expected to prove a point before hosting the 2026 World Cup amid some strong areas of improvement.

Despite having a few elite players from the European leagues, they were humiliated with a 1-5 loss. Alexi Lalas publicly demands more individual responsibility from all the stakeholders- including the players and staff. Speaking on his State of The Union podcast, he said, “I think whether it’s Haji Wright or whether it’s Gregg Berhalter or whether it’s any of these players and coaching staff, by the way, everybody needs to be under pressure. There are no sacred cows. Everybody should fear for their job in a good way, in a competitive way,” insisting they put their best effort all the time instead of just focusing directly on the 2026 World Cup.

Coming to the match, the game looked pretty one-sided considering the amount of chances created. The South American team went 2 goals ahead in the first half despite a shot from Folarin Balogun that was stopped just in front of the goal line in the 9th minute. After salvaging a goal in the 58th minute with Timothy Weah’s strike, USMNT conceded thrice in the last fifteen minutes.

The fixture made the CONCACAF team look sensitive in both attack and defense.

USMNT state of mind leaves Lalas concerned

Meanwhile, the excitement about soccer in the USA is a well-known fact. After the arrival of Lionel Messi, the movement has gained adequate momentum, but ultimately the fans will hope for USMNT’s success. However, Alexi Lalas feels that Berhalter and his unit are more concerned about the 2026 World Cup than improving currently. He also stated, “I think it is concerning if the players themselves feel that 2026 is what matters right now. No!… It’s not about 2026, it’s not about 2025. It’s about now. And if you don’t bring it now, you won’t be here to benefit from whatever comes in 2026”.

“What matters for you relative to 2026 is doing well and being successful right now,” requesting them not to look ahead as the present could get stale. The USA will also co-host the next World Cup along with Mexico and Canada, which will prove vital for sport in the States and pave the way for USMNT ahead. However, the performance in the Copa America is as significant with fewer teams but it appears that the Stars and Stripes will face a daunting task facing 15-time Champion Uruguay and Bolivia in Group C. They will face the 5-time World Champions Brazil next in the friendly fixture, and a win or a draw against them will boost the crew’s morale.