Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna and the USMNT XI that Gregg Berhalter could use at the Copa America

GOAL breaks down what the U.S. could look like when the next major tournament rolls around next summer.

The U.S. men's national team's 2023 summer schedule is now over. They lifted a Nations League trophy, topping Mexico and Canada in memorable wins, but then a heavily-rotated team fell short in the Gold Cup. There's still plenty left to do this year, though, from Gregg Berhalter's first matches back in charge against Uzbekistan and Oman, friendlies against Germany and Ghana and then some Nations League matches to close the year.

There's plenty of soccer to be played this year, of course, and plenty of storylines left to unfold, from Berhalter's initial lineup decisions to a series of major transfers. Still, from the moment Panama's final penalty kick hit the back of the net in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, all eyes turned towards one thing: the Copa America.

South America's premier tournament is coming stateside in 2024 and, while participants still haven't been confirmed as we await results from the Nations League, it's a safe bet to assume the U.S. will be there.

The Copa America is very much the USMNT's big moment this cycle, the one real chance for this team to get competitive fixtures on the road to 2026. With no World Cup qualifying necessary and big-time friendlies far less common than in years past, the U.S. won't have many big moments to truly prepare for the world's biggest tournament hitting home soil.

Because of that, the Copa America is paramount. Berhalter and co. will get the chance to go against opponents like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and the list goes on. Running the gauntlet of South American teams will be difficult, for sure, but there is confidence that the U.S. can make some sort of run when the tournament gets going next summer.

Picking a squad won't be easy, and much can change over the next year. There's also the added complication of the 2024 Olympics, which could see several of the USMNT's younger stars and seasoned veterans head to Paris rather than compete in the Copa America. It remains to be seen how the USMNT will balance it all, but the team's top stars will no doubt be on full display against South America's finest next summer.

With that said, GOAL takes a look at what the USMNT lineup could look like and which players could jump into the XI by next summer:

(Players with * are also Olympic eligible)

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GK: Matt Turner
This one is pretty obvious. Turner is the current USMNT No. 1 and he likely will be this summer.
Part of that is because of his play, as Turner continues to be fantastic every time he puts on a USMNT shirt. The other part is that, at the moment, there really isn't anyone to challenge him, as the rest of the goalkeeping pool isn't really playing at the highest level.
Still, we'll have to see how many games Turner plays between now and next summer as his role at Arsenal may have an impact on this race.
In contention: Zack Steffen, Gaga Slonina*, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath

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LB: Antonee Robinson
He's recently signed a new contract at Fulham, leaving no doubt about his future. Robinson is clearly comfortable at Craven Cottage, and that's good news as he looks ahead to the Copa America.
The key question, though, has to do with his backup. For some time, the U.S. has looked for someone to fill that role. It appears they have it in DeJuan Jones, who should get another opportunity in the fall.
In contention: DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin*
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CB: Tim Ream
We'll have to see if Father Time does ever catch up with him but, if it doesn't, he'll be there next summer.
The Fulham star was fantastic at the World Cup and even better in the Premier League last season, which is why he's still here even at age 35. There are younger options on their way up, of course, but if Ream can continue on at a high level, can the U.S. really move on?
In contention: Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty

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CB: Chris Richards
If the Nations League was any indication, Richards is coming for this spot.
He'll need to kick on at Crystal Palace, for sure, but his performances earlier this summer offered a glimpse into how good he can be. He's been tabbed as a future USMNT star for years, and this may be the season where he proves it.
In contention: Cameron Carter-Vickers,Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal*
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RB: Sergino Dest
He'll need to do something, anything, about his club situation. Last season with AC Milan was a total waste, so this season will be key for Dest, who is still on the books at Barcelona, as he looks to take some sort of step forward in his career.
When he's with the USMNT, Dest is generally good. He's also key to how the U.S. wants to play, as his ability to join the attack is a major asset. If he isn't playing on the club level, none of that matters, though, which may open the door for someone else.
In contention: Joe Scally*, Bryan Reynolds*
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CM: Tyler Adams
The USMNT survived without him this summer in the Nations League, but doing so in next summer's Copa America is pretty much impossible.
The all-energy No. 6 was arguably the team's best player at the World Cup, where he served as team captain. He'll likely keep that role for years to come and will be one of the first names on the team sheet if healthy.
In contention: James Sands, Johnny Cardoso*, Kellyn Acosta
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CM: Weston McKennie
One of the big calls of the lineup, here. If the U.S. does roll with the 4-2-3-1, does Yunus Musah or McKennie make way?
That debate will almost certainly be determined by their club situation, with both facing uncertain futures. For now, though, we'll go with McKennie, who will surely relish the chance to play alongside Adams again after their Leeds fiasco, as they were relegated to the Championship.
In contention: Musah*, Luca de la Torre,
CAM: Gio Reyna*
Reyna made quite a statement during the Nations League, offering Berhalter a closer look at what he can do as a No. 10. One of the big questions this cycle is if Berhalter makes the decision to actually do it.
Regardless, Reyna will be a key figure this cycle as Berhalter will need to work things out with the young Dortmund star, on and off the field.
In contention: Malik Tillman*, Djordje Mihailovic
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LW: Christian Pulisic
His move to Milan is now complete, and the Italian giants should finally give him the opportunities he lacked at Chelsea.
Regardless of his club form, Pulisic has always stepped up for the USMNT and he's a safe bet to do so once again in the Copa America, which will be his next real chance to shine on the world's stage.
In contnetion: Brenden Aaronson*
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ST: Folarin Balogun
The one big addition that makes this team vastly different than the one we saw in Qatar.
Balogun has arrived, with his Nations League goal serving as proof that the U.S. may just have the striker they so desperately needed last cycle. The next year will very much be about building chemistry with the team's new striker, who has the potential to take this group to another level if all goes to plan.
In contention: Ricardo Pepi*, Jesus Ferreira, Haji Wright, Daryl Dike, Josh Sargent, Brandon Vazquez
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RW: Timothy Weah
Having secured his move to Juventus, Weah's positioning will be something to watch over the next year or so. It appears he'll be playing as a right wingback in Turin, but that shouldn't disqualify him from playing further upfield for the USMNT.
Berhalter's system always called for at least one winger that can get to the endline and make things happen. For the USMNT, that's Weah, and it likely isn't changing any time soon.
In contention: Taylor Booth*, Alejandro Zendejas