Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted that all options must be "on the table" as he implored the USMNT's flops to use their Copa America failure to enact a "mentality shift".
The United States experienced a campaign to forget in the competition on home soil as they crashed out at the group stage after one win and two losses. After starting off their tournament with a win versus Bolivia, things soon unraveled for Gregg Berhalter's side as they slumped to defeat versus both Panama and Uruguay to seal their sorry fate.
Now, the 121-time U.S. international Howard has asserted that "change" is required if the country is to avoid a similar humiliation as hosts of the World Cup in 2026. The ex-Everton stalwart was clear that he felt that the nation had underachieved at Copa America, having widely been expected to advance to the knockout stages.
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Having come into the tournament as the No. 11 ranked international team on the planet, their under-par displays left the retired Premier League mainstay irked. Writing in his Daily Mail column, he said: "US Soccer needs big change after this Copa America. Every option has to be on the table. Everything needs to be looked at. Because this is a huge missed opportunity for our team and for soccer in our country.
"These are the best footballers that America has ever produced but they are slowly surrendering the tag of golden generation," he continued, as he spoke with concern after the team's woes in the competition. "They haven't had a signature win and they're not going to get it before the World Cup.
For Howard, a change in psychological approach is now required if America's talents are to rally from this low point, as he added: "This current US team is not lacking when it comes to skill. But there needs to be a mentality shift. Only then can they win these big games. Only then can they go to the next level.
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After overseeing the campaign, USMNT head coach Berhalter admitted that his own fate in his current role is out of his hands, as he acknowledged: "That's not up to me."
U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker has confirmed that a review is underway, however. In a statement, he said: "Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better. We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa América and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup."
Meanwhile, leading USMNT supporter group, the American Outlaws called for Berhalter to be relieved of his duties following Copa America. Their statement on social media read: "There needs to be accountability and a plan to move forward for the USMNT. It's time to make a change in the head coaching position.
"Our Copa America is over too soon. It was a moment to show progress for the USMNT's aspirations, create thousands of lifelong new fans, and build energy ahead of the World Cup in communities nationwide," they said, while adding: "Change is necessary to prepare to compete at a home World Cup."
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