A disaster movie coming to life. That was Copa America 2024 for USMNT. Despite carrying the expectations of a host nation, the Star and Stripes failed to make it even beyond the group stages. That might have been avoided if they had produced a significant result vs Panama. However, US skipper Tyler Adams says he knew “from the moment the groups were announced, Panama was going to be the hardest game.”

“Playing against a CONCACAF team that you compete with almost every single tournament that you play in, there’s just going to be more on the line,” said the Bournemouth star while speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast. Adams highlighted the fact that he stood correct as Berhalter’s side lost against the Central American country following their initial 2-0 win over Bolivia.

The 25-year-old acknowledged that even though Uruguay is a ‘scrappy’ team, they still fight for ‘high-quality moments’ in crucial games. Meanwhile, Panama has come a long way and developed a lot, making it obvious for Adams and Co. that things wouldn’t have been the same against them, that too, in a high-stake fixture. The former Leeds man also voiced the difficulty the USA faced over 70 minutes with a man down as Tim Weah was sent off for his conduct.

“I don’t think it’s shock,” added Adams. “Football is the only sport where when you lose a game it’s not really a shock. It can go any way, any given day. That’s why, so many people love the beautiful game,” admitted the versatile defender.

Sadly, the 2-1 loss to Panama left their chances of reaching the quarterfinals hanging in the balance. This defeat also created undue pressure, turning the match against Uruguay into a must-win situation—a challenge they ultimately failed to overcome. Well, for that, Adams is holding himself and his teammates responsible.

Tyler Adams admits USMNT wasn’t ‘good enough’ in Copa America 2024

Aside from accepting Panama as a formidable opponent, Tyler Adams also bore the brunt of USMNT’s poor display in the CONMEBOL-CONCACAF-based tournament. “The performances individually and collectively in the Copa weren’t good enough,” said Adams. “I think the buildup to the Copa obviously let us down a lot. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t be a part of that,” added the US international.

Notably, the buildup that Adams highlighted was the friendly preparations before Copa America. In June, Colombia dealt the USMNT a shocking 5-1 defeat, but Team USA bounced back by holding a formidable Brazilian side to a draw in their next friendly—both games Tyler Adams missed due to injury.

However, the Cherries star finally criticized his teammates, citing untimely vacations as a key factor in their overly ‘relaxed’ approach. “I’m not one to point the finger I think everyone can you know take the burden in some way,” Adams remarked, reflecting on the Copa America disappointment.

What’s done is done. Now USMNT has the 2026 FIFA World Cup to look for, not just as a contesting side but that too as hosts. It remains to be seen if they turn things around.