16 nations will take part in the 2024 Copa America, with all eyeing lifting the prestigious trophy. While the favorites were already deemed even before the tournament began, it’s the host nation, the USMNT, that everyone has eyes on. Though many would consider that the responsibility remains on the shoulders of Gregg Berhalter, for USWNT legend Carli Lloyd, it’s the likes of Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna who are expected to ‘take the initiative’ of leading the team to trouble Brazil or Uruguay.

Lloyd was caught up by American commentator Rob Stone, who couldn’t make it more obvious to gain followers by collaborating with the 2x World Champion. He shared the whole conversation on Instagram, where first he asked the former NJ/NY Gotham star about reigning champions Argentina. She backed Messi and Co. as ‘heavy favorites,’ underlining their self-awareness for knowing that the 17th edition of the CONCACAF-based tournament isn’t a ‘walk in the park.’

Then, the former Houston Dash star was asked what she would deem a successful Copa America run for the US. Interestingly, Lloyd said, “I think semi-final.” The WNT icon insisted that, unlike the 2022 World Cup, the expectations from Berhalter’s side are much ‘greater and higher.’ Should they, however, aim for glory, it won’t be possible without one key thing: “I think that there needs to be some more players that show up in these big moments. [Christian] Pulisic has done it, Weston McKennie needs to raise his level—[Gio] Reyna as well.”

Offering a stark reminder to the MNT stars, she concluded, “We need to see more of these guys take the initiative and they’re not the ‘Young generation’ of the team anymore.” While Lloyd has thrown down the gauntlet, is there a way USMNT can reach this bar?

Here’s how USMNT can step up to the plate in Copa America 2024

Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals. The Group A topper will face the second-placed team from Group B, and vice versa, with the same applying to Group C and Group D. Therefore, with the USMNT being drawn in Group C alongside Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia, they will first need to secure a top-two finish to make it to the quarter-finals. If they finish first, they will face the second-place team from Group D, which consists of Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica.

However, if Gregg Berhalter and Co. finish second, they will face the winner of Group D. In either case, they could face Brazil in the quarter-finals or, if they are fortunate, in the semi-finals. Qualification for the finals would be an unprecedented achievement for the Eagles, while a premature exit during the group stages would be disastrous. If they are eager to achieve greatness, then not just Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna, but the whole team, would be required to rise to the occasion.