USMNT, Brazil battle to a draw in final Copa América tuneup

The outcome, though, was secondary to the U.S. performance, which was a marked improvement from Saturday’s 5-1 defeat in Landover, Md. The Americans played with heart, cohesion and composure against their famous yellow-clad foes, elements that were glaringly absent for much of the match at Commanders Field.

“We feel like we made a little step,” Berhalter said. “It’s not a huge step, but it’s a little step — to be able to play against an amazingly talented Brazil team and bend but not break and give them problems and push them as well. We think it’s a good end to our preparation campaign, and we’re ready for Copa América.”

After a slow start, the Americans created several quality scoring chances and, if not for two sterling saves, could have come away with the upset.

The draw ended Brazil’s 11-game winning streak in the 20-game series and was the first deadlock between the teams. The only U.S. victory came in 1998.

Berhalter is expected to name his 26-man Copa América roster Friday. With 27 players in camp, the fitness of forward Josh Sargent and midfielder Tyler Adams will affect final decisions.

Copa América, South America’s treasured tournament dating from 1916, is the most important test for the Americans before the 2026 World Cup is staged at U.S., Mexican and Canadian venues.

U.S. group play will begin June 23 against Bolivia, South America’s lowest-ranked team, in Arlington, Tex., followed by Panama on June 27 in Atlanta and group favorite Uruguay on July 1 in Kansas City, Mo.

Two teams will advance to the quarterfinals. If the United States is not one of them, Berhalter would be in grave danger of losing his job less than a year into his second term.

Despite the lopsided loss to Colombia — and the inconsequential nature of friendlies — Berhalter made just two lineup changes. Ricardo Pepi replaced Folarin Balogun at striker, and Yunus Musah stepped in for Johnny Cardoso at defensive midfield.

Twelve days before Brazil’s tournament opener vs. Costa Rica, Brazil Coach Dorival Júnior was not messing around. His starters included Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s forwards fresh off the UEFA Champions League championship June 1.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Barcelona forward Raphinha were also in the lineup.

The Americans were not intimidated, taking the game to Brazil in the early moments. Musah drove a 30-yard screamer off the crossbar, and Pulisic tested Alisson from 25 yards after making an assertive run.

In the 17th minute, Bruno Guimarães headed U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner’s short clearance to Raphinha in an acre of space. With U.S. defenders stretched, Raphinha’s silky diagonal pass set up Rodrygo for a 10-yard finish to the far corner.

The Americans answered seven minutes later. João Gomes took down Pulisic at the edge of the penalty area. On the ensuing free kick, Brazil’s wall was misaligned. Pulisic took advantage of a wide gap and placed a low shot into the left corner for his 29th goal in 68 international matches.

A halftime tie was a 45-minute victory for the U.S. team.

Brazil set the tone in the second half, but U.S. defenders closed space and made smart tackles in shielding Turner. The goalkeeper was still tested plenty but made 11 saves — the most by a U.S. goalkeeper since Tim Howard’s 15-stop performance vs. Belgium at the 2014 World Cup.

A breakthrough moment for the United States presented itself in the 68th minute. Right back Joe Scally crossed to Weston McKennie, who set up Pulisic alone in the penalty area for a 12-yard one-timer. Alisson got down quickly, fully extending himself and slapping the ball with his left glove.

Turner took his turn in the 74th minute on Rodrygo’s angled threat.

Adams, the 2022 World Cup captain hampered by injuries, made his first appearance in the two-game set, entering in the 75th minute.

Eight minutes later, Pulisic set up substitute Brenden Aaronson at the doorstep, but Alisson intervened.

Back and forth the game went — elevating a harmless friendly into a tense finish. Turner made another standout save, and his team dodged threats in stoppage time for a much-needed draw.

“When I saw the guys in the locker room after the game, they’re exhausted,” Berhalter said. “They gave everything, and that’s all you can ask for. So we’ll use that little bit of momentum to head into Copa América.”

Note: Should the U.S. men win their 2026 World Cup first-round group, they would remain on the West Coast for the round of 32, FIFA announced. That game would take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Inglewood, Calif. (two games) and Seattle will stage U.S. group matches, FIFA previously announced.

A second-place finish would send the Americans to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. By being one of the top third-place teams, they would end up in any of eight venues.

By placing first or second in the group, the U.S. squad would be on a pathway to play in the round of 16 in Seattle or Atlanta and in a quarterfinal in Inglewood or Kansas City.