United States National Football

U.S. Men's National Team winger Tim Weah has been suspended two games and fined $3,000 after a red card in Thursday's loss to Panama in Copa América, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

Weah was given a penalty in the 18th minute of Thursday's group stage match after striking Panama defender Roderick Miller in the head away from the ball. After officials reviewed the contract, they upgraded it to a red card, leaving the United States with 10 men on the field for the remainder of the match.

Weah will be out of Monday's group finale against Uruguay and will miss the first game of the knockout round if the United States advances.

Despite Weah's red card coming at an inopportune time, the U.S. managed to score its first goal of the game shortly after to take a 1-0 lead. Panama scored an equalizer just moments later and ultimately took the lead in the 83rd minute.

Following his red card, Weah released an apology on his Instagram:

"Today, I let my team and my country down," Weah said in the statement (h/t The Athletic's Jeff Rueter and Ben Burrows). "A moment of frustration led to an irreversible consequence, and for that, I am deeply sorry to my teammates, coaches, family and our fans. Moving forward, I am committed to learning from this experience, not allowing an opponent to provoke me, and working to regain the trust and respect of my team and supporters. No matter what I will always fight for my team and my country till the day I'm no longer needed or capable to! I sincerely apologize to everyone. My love for this team goes beyond just football and I'm so sad and angry at myself for putting my brothers through what they went through tonight."

While Weah will look to learn from the unfortunate experience, he might not get the chance to compete for the USMNT again in the tournament. The United States has a tough matchup against Uruguay on Monday that could decide its fate.

To advance, the United States will need to match or better Panama's efforts against Bolivia, which has lost both of its games so far in the tournament.

United States men's national soccer team players Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun have said that they received racist messages on social media following the team's 2-1 loss to Panama in Copa America group play on Thursday.

In response, U.S. Soccer released a statement condemning the "hateful and discriminatory behavior" and showing its support for its players:

U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players. pic.twitter.com/QayH6AY7ji

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 28, 2024

Balogun scored the United States' lone goal to put his team up 1-0 in the 22nd minute. The U.S. was down to 10 men after Timothy Weah was sent off in the 18th minute for striking Panama defender Roderick Miller in the head.

However, César Blackman scored a 26th-minute equalizer for Panama before José Fajardo added the game-winner in the 83rd minute for the 2-1 victory.

The USMNT plays first-place Uruguay next on Monday. The team sits in second place in Group C with three points and needs to stay in the top two in order to advance to the knockout round.

Its primary competition is Panama, which also has three points but is third via goal differential. However, Los Canaleros have the better matchup Monday against last-place Bolivia.

USMNT striker Balogun plays for Monaco of Ligue 1 in France. He's scored seven goals in 29 appearances. The 22-year-old also has 14 caps for the Stars and Stripes and five goals.

Richards, 24, is a defender for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League with 35 appearances for the club. He also has 20 caps for the USMNT.

Racism toward soccer players worldwide has been a persistent issue over the years. Earlier this month, three men who made racist remarks and gestures toward Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. in May 2023 received eight-month prison sentences, per CNN.com.

United States men's national soccer team forward Tim Weah apologized to fans in an Instagram story for his 18th-minute red card en route to his team's 2-1 loss to Panama in Copa América group play on Thursday.

Tim Weah posts an apology to USMNT fans 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/u22HmaNKvX

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2024

The red card occurred after Weah struck Panama defender Roderick Miller in the back of his head.

Tim Weah receives a red card after review for this contact 🟥 pic.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

Folarin Balogun put USMNT up just four minutes later with a goal. However, Panama got one back courtesy of César Blackman in the 26th minute before José Fajardo added an 83rd-minute goal for Panama to win the match.

The red card obviously changed the entire match and put the United States in a tough spot that it ultimately could not recover from.

After the game, U.S. men's national team coach Gregg Berhalter called Weah's act a "silly decision" before offering more comments (h/t ESPN's Jeff Kassouf).

"I think we had a good start to the game. We got the goal, it got called back. But the match-changing event is obviously the red card and it puts us in a tough spot but we expected that from them."

The U.S. still fought hard following the red card and nearly came away with the draw before the devastating late goal put Panama ahead.

Midfielder Tyler Adams told reporters afterward (h/t Kassouf) that Weah apologized to the team afterward but noticed the great effort as well.

"You never mean to get a red card, under no circumstances," Adams told Fox. "He's not that type of person. He apologized to the team.

"And respect to the rest of the team because they fought for every single ball, every single duel, every single minute. We still created chances after going down to 10 men so it shows our quality, and all to play for in the last game."

Weah's red card is costly for a few reasons. For starters, he's out for the team's final group match against Uruguay, the top team in the quartet.

Second, the United States now finds itself in a position where they very well may need to win versus Uruguay just to finish top two and advance to the knockout round. The U.S. will be underdogs in that matchup, and losing Weah makes it all the more harder.

That game will take place on Monday at 9 p.m. ET.

After beating Bolivia in its first match of Copa América, the United States men's national team fell to Panama 2-1 on Thursday.

The United States struck early with a goal in the 22nd minute from Folarin Balogun, but Panama managed to even things up before the end of the first 45 minutes. The two teams had an eventful second half leading up to Panama putting one through the net in the 83rd minute to make it a 2-1 game.

With very little time to respond to Panama's goal, the United States fell short of evening things up before the final whistle.

The United States is now tied for first at three points in Group C and will likely need a win over Uruguay to advance to the knockout rounds. Uruguay plays Bolivia on Thursday night.

Here's a look at the group standings following Thursday's action:

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Group A

1. Argentina - 6 points
2. Canada - 3 points
3. Chile - 1 point
4. Peru - 1 point

Group B

1. Venezuela - 6 points
2. Ecuador - 3 points
3. Mexico - 3 points
4. Jamaica - 0 points

Group C

1. Uruguay - 6 points
2. Panama - 3 points
3. United States - 3 points
4. Bolivia - 0 points

Group D

1. Colombia - 3 points
2. Brazil - 1 point
3. Costa Rica - 1 point
4. Paraguay - 0 points

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The USMNT hurt itself early on after Tim Weah picked up a red card in just the 18th minute. Playing with just 10 men on the field for most of the match made defeating Panama an entirely different task.

Tim Weah receives a red card after review for this contact 🟥 pic.twitter.com/phw8bSzdKR

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

Even with Weah's red card, the United States seemed capable of winning after Balogun's impressive goal. The goal for Balogun was his second of the tournament as he also put one in the net against Bolivia on Wednesday.

BALOGUN PUTS USA ON TOP 😱

10-PLAYER @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/lwsnc5Vj7j

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

Two questionable decisions from the officials in the first half didn't help the United States' cause:

No card was given for this challenge on Balogun ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HR9PpRXyq3

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

Was this a foul in the box on Pulisic or nah? pic.twitter.com/XfnT6eF6sO

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

The United States had its fair share of chances to take the lead in the second half, but it never managed to capitalize.

This Pulisic and Balogun connection for the chance 🔥@USMNT pic.twitter.com/WwbG9Be4Ky

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

WHAT A CHANCE 😱

Pepi can't get enough on it to put the USMNT on top pic.twitter.com/G6ANebMimg

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

Unable to find the net late in the match, the United States had no choice but to keep Panama from scoring through the final 10 minutes, but was unable to do so.

PANAMA TAKES THE LEAD 🇵🇦😱

José Fajardo puts Panama on top in the 83rd minute pic.twitter.com/SGTKcAuHFg

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2024

The officials called Panama for a red card in the 88th minute, giving the United States one last chance to make a push for an equalizer while facing just 10 men, but it never found the goal it was looking for.

The mistakes piled on for the United States on Thursday, and it couldn't make up for the errors as it fell 2-1.

After the loss, fans criticized both the team and head coach Gregg Berhalter for falling short in what should have been a manageable game.

FT: #usmnt 1:2 Panama. The US is made to pay for some major mistakes, but none bigger than Tim Weah's 18th minute red card. Now, with Panama likely to beat Bolivia in the group stage finale, the US has to beat Uruguay to have any kind of chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 27, 2024

Tim Weah made a huge mistake, but the way this game has been handled tactically by Gregg Berhalter to invite pressure for 75 minutes has been a disaster and the wrong decision from the beginning.

— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) June 27, 2024

Bizarre game, bad referees, whatever your assessment, the reality is this:

If the #USMNT lose Monday and don’t get out of the group in a Copa América on home soil, US Soccer must move on from Gregg Berhalter.

— Neil W. Blackmon (@nwblackmon) June 28, 2024

The USMNT suffer a shock loss to Panama. Advancing to the knockout rounds in serious doubt now. USMNT vs. Uruguay to close out the group. Need a result.

Let me be clear: Not getting out of the group stage would be a catastrophic failure.

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 27, 2024

The United States will face Uruguay on Monday and might need a win to advance. The USMNT will need to put the loss behind it and bring its best effort to the match to keep its hopes of advancing to the knockout round alive.

The United States Men's National Team wasted no time building early momentum at the 2024 Copa America.

The Americans defeated Bolivia 2-0 in Sunday's group stage game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They are in ideal position in Group C with an opening win, and failing to advance to the knockout stage at this point would be a massive disappointment.

Christian Pulisic buried the opening goal just three minutes into the contest, while Folarin Balogun also found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Matt Turner and the defense kept Bolivia off the score sheet, and it was a fairly straightforward win.

Here is a look at the full group standings after the United States' victory.

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Group A

1. Argentina, 3 points, +2 goal differential
2. Chile, 1 point, 0 goal differential
3. Peru, 1 point, 0 goal differential
4. Canada, 0 points, -2 goal differential

Group B

1. Venezuela, 3 points, +1 goal differential
2. Mexico, 3 points, +1 goal differential
3. Ecuador, 0 points, -1 goal differential
4. Jamaica, 0 points, -1 goal differential

Group C

1. Uruguay, 3 points, +2 goal differential
2. United States, 3 points, +2 goal differential
3. Panama, 0 points, -2 goal differential
4. Bolivia, 0 points, -2 goal differential

Group D

1. Brazil, 0 points, 0 goal differential
2. Colombia, 0 points, 0 goal differential
3. Paraguay, 0 points, 0 goal differential
4. Costa Rica, 0 points, 0 goal differential

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If there was any lingering doubt whether the United States would cruise against an overmatched Bolivia side, Pulisic quickly removed it.

He got the ball right back after a short corner kick and fired an incredible shot from the top left-hand corner of the box to put his side ahead in the third minute. It was an unbelievable shot that continued to rise all the way until it settled in the top corner of the net and made it fairly clear that Sunday would bring a favorable result for the Red, White and Blue.

Christian Pulisic delivering with a beauty 🤩

(via @FOXSoccer)pic.twitter.com/rrzAULFWAl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2024

CHRISTIAN PULISIC BANGER.

USA up 1-0 vs. Bolivia just three minutes in 👊 pic.twitter.com/kEzJMXsXrR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2024

Captain America was far from done.

He received a pass near midfield shortly before halftime and turned around to find nothing but space. He carried it through that space, forced the defense to collapse and then found Balogun on his left.

The forward capitalized on the opportunity and put the Americans ahead 2-0 before intermission.

BALLLLLOGUN!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

The @USMNT striker places it perfectly 👏✨ pic.twitter.com/W2uYYEjFkJ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024

Everyone was hyped for Balogun 🤗 pic.twitter.com/bSz9AGD67p

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2024

Halftime did nothing to change the momentum, as the Americans continued to create the chances and dominate play.

They had what would have been a third goal taken off the board because of an offside call, and Pulisic then weaved his way through multiple defenders only for his shot to be turned away by goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.

It was a credit to Viscarra that it wasn't a complete blowout by the 70th minute, but the United States was still in full control.

PEPI DENIED OH NO 😅

Guillermo Viscarra with an impressive save for Bolivia 🧤 pic.twitter.com/LFR9d7HKrV

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024

A third goal seemed inevitable throughout the second half, but Viscarra continued to turn the constant attack away. Ricardo Pepi had multiple opportunities right on the doorstep but was unable to convert.

A glass half-empty approach would say the Americans should have won by four or five goals given how much better they were than the competition, but they will surely take the three points and move forward.

The United States men's national team enlisted the help of NFL players Dak Prescott and Bijan Robinson to help announce the roster for the 2024 Copa America tournament.

In a video released by the U.S. team, Prescott unveiled the goalkeepers and defenders and Robinson was in charge of revealing the midfielders. Former national team defender Matt Besler got to do the introduction for the forwards.

Hey @dak, @Bijan5Robinson and @MattBesler....

You got that Copa América roster drop?! 🏆🇺🇸

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 14, 2024

All 26 players on the team were named to the training camp roster by head coach Gregg Berhalter. The only player from the 27-man training camp not on the squad is Timothy Tillman.

The USMNT's Copa América roster is here 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ENiLKYntTd

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 14, 2024

Tillman's absence isn't a huge surprise since he didn't play in the recent friendlies against Colombia on June 8 and Brazil on June 12.

Berhalter did elect to keep Josh Sargent on the roster even though he has been dealing with a foot injury. His inclusion would seem to be a sign they aren't worried it will prevent him from playing in the Copa America.

Sargent missed four months last year after undergoing ankle surgery in August. He scored 13 goals in 25 matches with Norwich City after returning on Dec. 29.

Per USSoccer.com, the 2007 U.S. team is the only one with a younger average roster age than this group. The 2024 team has nine players aged 23 or younger.

Prescott and Robinson lent their services to the U.S. national team for the announcement since their home stadiums will serve as host venues for the Copa America.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, will host the opening match. AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, will host the opener for the U.S. team, as well as two quarterfinal matches.

The 2024 Copa America tournament will take place from June 20 through July 14. Argentina is the defending champion, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final in 2021.

Team USA is in Group C with Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia. It will open the tournament against Bolivia on June 23.

The United States men's national team and Brazil played to an exhilarating 1-1 draw on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida, at Camping Word Stadium.

Brazil finished with 24 total shots, including 11 on goal. The United States pressed the visitors as well, getting seven shots on target from 12 total attempts. And for the USMNT, this was a tie that felt like a win.

Should a draw against Brazil result in the USA being awarded a World Cup? Some are saying it should

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) June 13, 2024

Brazil capitalized on a poor pass by U.S. shot-stopper Matt Turner to set up its opener in the 17th minute. In a matter of moments, Turner went from kicking the ball up the field to watching it fly past him courtesy of a shot by Rodrygo.

Rodrygo.

Clinical 🎯

Watch USA vs. Brazil on TNT, Max or truTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/d56TlMFRpP

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 12, 2024

Giving up an early goal on the heels of a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Colombia last Saturday was a foreboding sign. However, Christian Pulisic leveled things up with a perfectly placed low free kick from just outside the 18-yard box.

🚨 CHRISTIAN PULISIC FREE KICK AGAINST BRAZIL 🚨

Watch USA vs. Brazil on TNT, Max or truTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/EicP9We7Q2

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 12, 2024

Pulisic probably should've had a second in the 68th minute. His left-footed effort couldn't elude Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

What a save by Alisson to deny Christian Pulisic 🚫

Watch USA vs. Brazil on TNT, Max or truTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/RZrJH1WtT6

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 13, 2024

The AC Milan winger still received plenty of plaudits on social media:

https://twitter.com/svintfc/status/1801040785523040302

PULISIC FREE KICK GOAL pic.twitter.com/3bKaiZChJL

— USMNT NATION (@USMNTvsHaters) June 12, 2024

Pulisic!!!

Gave Alisson the eyes and the hips! Great strike 1-1 🇺🇸 🇧🇷

— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 12, 2024

If the AC Milan season didn't convince you, that free kick versus Brazil should: We are officially in the very prime of Christian Pulisic.

Holy smoke. #USMNT equalize vs Brazil.

— Nicholas Mendola (@NicholasMendola) June 12, 2024

I don’t like posting videos of myself but someone got me on camera after that Pulisic 🇺🇸 goal

pic.twitter.com/OCKOYBKPSh

— American Hooligans 🇺🇸⚽️ (@AmericanHoolis) June 13, 2024

In general, Wednesday presented a welcome contrast from the Colombia friendly. As much as the United States rode its luck at times, Brazil was equally fortunate to keep the score deadlocked.

A draw with the No. 5 team in the world is a good result no matter how you get it.

I’m not mad at this USMNT performance at all. Especially considering this is against Brazils A squad

Still too many mistakes but showing much more composure and intensity than against Colombia

Lots to work on but not as dire as I felt watching last match

— Alexis Guerreros (@NotAlexis) June 13, 2024

Regardless of the result, get behind this team @USMNT 🙌🏿👏🏿!!!

— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) June 13, 2024

The two best performances against great teams under Berhalter for the USMNT were now against England and Brazil

Both games we finished with *less* possession, defending compactly in a lower block, attacked decisively and didn’t try to get too cute

This has to be the formula

— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) June 13, 2024

USMNT haven’t beaten Brasil since 1998- THE ONLY TIME. They’ve never drawn.

Finishing this out as a draw would be phenomenal. A win? I’ll faint.

— Christine Cupo (@CCupo) June 13, 2024

That was a tactical masterclass from the #USMNT. So well-drilled. Really impressive.

— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) June 13, 2024

Chaosball might be our identity tbh

— Sanjiv (@USMNTvideos) June 13, 2024

This was the USMNT's final tune-up before the Copa América. It opens the group stage on June 23 against Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Expectations for the U.S. in the tournament were probably sitting near rock bottom in the immediate aftermath of the drubbing by Colombia. Wednesday's performance doesn't mean Berhalter and his staff have fixed everything, but the sky may not be falling after all.

The United States men's national team faces a near-impossible task to recover from a rough loss at the weekend when they face Brazil on Wednesday.

The USMNT's final preparations for the 2024 Copa America got off to a terrible start on Saturday with a 5-1 defeat to Colombia.

Gregg Berhalter's side needs to put in a much better performance in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday night just to be competitive with one of the best sides in the world.

Brazil is using the game to fine-tune its setup before it chases after another spot in the Copa America final. The Seleção are nine-time winners of the competition and were the runner-up the last time it was held in 2021.

USMNT vs. Brazil Info

Date: Wednesday, June 12

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: TNT, truTV

Live Stream: Max

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Preview and Top Storylines

The Americans must play better than they did on Saturday, but the problem with executing that game plan is Brazil's best level is higher than Colombia's.

The Seleção are the last opponent the USMNT wanted to see after the walloping it suffered at the hands of Colombia.

Berhalter was widely criticized for how his team performed, and the noise could get even louder if the USMNT fails to be competitive in Orlando.

A draw is likely the best-possible result for the Americans given the skill level of both sides.

Brazil can start any combination of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and Rodrygo in attack.

Any of those players would be the best attacker on the USMNT roster by miles.

If there is one knock on the Seleção it would be their defense in the last two friendlies. They played to a 3-3 tie with Spain in March and conceded twice to Mexico on Saturday, Brazil needed a stoppage-time winner from Endrick, the 17-year-old wonderkid headed to Real Madrid, to beat El Tri.

The Americans have to put together a cohesive attack in order to poke any holes in the Brazilian back line.

The USMNT looked lost for stretches of the game against Colombia where getting possession was the primary issue rather than not creating a high amount of chances.

Berhalter could call on Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright to both start on Wednesday. Both came off the bench in Saturday's rout.

Timothy Weah scored the only goal in the 58th minute. He provided a brief glimmer of hope before Colombia scored the final three tallies of the contest. An attacking setup with Weah, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and one of Pepi or Wright may be the best way for Berhalter to align his team in order to create chances but also respect Brazil's attacking might.

The USMNT defense must also be sharper from the start. Colombia jumped on some errors to go up two goals within 20 minutes on Saturday. Los Cafeteros allowed the Americans to hang around for a bit after that, but they displayed their lethal finishing again late in the second half.

Brazil will be even more ruthless in punishing the American mistakes. One has to think the Seleção will be motivated to shake off the pair of second-half concessions they allowed to Mexico.

The USMNT needs to be perfect for 90 minutes, no matter which way you break down the match, to even compete with Brazil.

If the Americans stay within a goal, tie or miraculously win, they will be in a good spot heading into the Copa America.

However, they must avoid another embarrassing loss, which will put even more pressure on Berhalter to make a deep run on home soil in the Copa.

Prediction: Brazil 3, USMNT 1