‘We need to learn how to beat the best’ - USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter admits CONCACAF qualifiers don’t ‘prepare’ for quality of World Cup teams

The 50-year-old manager wants to play against the best national teams as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup that will be played on home soil. During the October international break, the USMNT played against European and African powerhouses Germany and Ghana to gauge their standing in world football. Although they were given a harsh reality check by Germany in the form of a 3-1 drubbing, they beat Ghana comprehensively by a 4-0 margin which boosted their morale.

Speaking to NBC Sports, Berhalter said: "Our priority is to play the best possible opponents we can. Last window playing Germany and Ghana was a good experience for our group. We really feel to be successful at the World Cup, we’ll need to learn how to beat the best teams. I’m not sure qualifying prepares you for that. CONCACAF qualifying is extremely difficult and extremely difficult mentally but when we talk about the opportunity to play teams like Brazil, Germany, or Spain, that’s a real learning experience for our group.”

The USMNT are just a step away from qualifying for the 2024 edition of the Copa America. They hold a 3-0 advantage ahead of the second leg against Trinidad & Tobago and another triumph in Port of Spain will ensure that Berhalter will have the opportunity to lead his men against the best South American teams in 2024.

The USMNT is going through an injury crisis as they will miss the services of prominent players like Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah. In the absence of the experienced heads, the onus will be on the likes of Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna to fire them over the line against the Caribbean side.