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U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter is excited to face Colombia in a crucial June run-up to the Copa America as the team prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
The friendly game, to be held on June 8 at FedEx Field in the suburbs of Washington, will be the first game against the United States to be played at the home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders since 2012, when Brazil defeated the United States 4-1.
The Colombians are on a 19-match unbeaten run and will be looking to win their second Copa America title, the first being on home soil in 2001.
“Colombia is a formidable opponent, and we are excited about this opportunity,” Berhalter said. “This game will be the springboard to a great summer.”
Los Cafeteros are in 3rd place in the 2026 World Cup South American Qualifiers with 3 wins and 3 draws from 6 games.
“They have been an outstanding team in World Cup qualifiers and have world-class talent,” Berhalter said.
They reached the last 16 in 2018 and made a record quarter-final appearance in 2014, but missed out on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
“We want to play against Colombia because they are one of the best teams in the world at the moment,” Berhalter said. “This is a team that has grown from disappointment. It will be a good challenge for us heading into the Copa America.”
The match will take place 12 days before the Copa America opener in Atlanta, which will pit reigning World Cup and Copa America champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.
The tournament is comprised of 10 South American countries and 6 North American teams, and will be held at 14 venues in 10 U.S. states.
The U.S. national team could face Colombia in the Copa America quarterfinals.
“When you play, you get information,” Berhalter said. “If we play against them, we will be even better prepared.
“What we want to do is play as many knockout games as possible against the best possible opponents.”
– “Loud and intense” –
The United States will gain more knockout experience in the CONCACAF Nations League in March.
The two-time defending champions will face Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 21 in Arlington, Texas, before facing either Mexico or Panama in the final.
For the Copa America, the U.S. men will be in Group C along with Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay.
The Americans also qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2008, giving some athletes a chance to compete for gold in Paris in July and August.
“The D.C. area has a rich soccer tradition, and I’m looking forward to playing here,” Berhalter said.
“It’s going to be a loud, intense game and that’s what you want most in an international match.”
The last time the U.S. beat Colombia 3-0 was in March 2005 in Fullerton, Calif., but the U.S. defeated Colombia 2-1 at home in the 1994 Rose Bowl, the biggest World Cup game ever. He achieved victory.
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