A match against Uruguay could be crucial for the United States, but head coach Gregg Berhalter urged his side not to look too far ahead after the Copa America draw was made in Miami.

Uruguay and USA are the two favourites to progress from Group C after the draw. It should be an intriguing battle to top the group with just one place separating the teams in the FIFA rankings - the South American side are 11th and Berhalter's tournament hosts sit 12th.

But USMNT will face matches against Bolivia and Panama before they take on Marcelo Bielsa's men for a potentially decisive clash in Kansas City on July 1.

And Berhalter urged his team to focus on collecting maximum points from those initial two clashes, even with the Uruguay game looming on the horizon.

Securing first place could be even more important on this occasion than in other tournaments. The team who finishes as runners-up in Group D are likely to face Brazil, who will be expected to top Group D, in the quarter-finals.

"It could be huge [against Uruguay] but I think there is danger in skipping past the first two games and thinking, 'It's the Uruguay game'," said Berhalter.

"Every game is going to be meaningful. Our goal is to get as many points as possible in the group stage and then continue on."

Berhalter knows his team will be expected to progress from the group, even though he does not feel it will be an easy assignment.

"That [high expectations] is the reality. For us, it’s about going on the field now and competing. 

"We know that you can be favourites and not win the game. 

"For us, it’s about being focused, trying to get momentum with the fans, and then trying to go as far as we can in this tournament and setting up the group in a way that we can continue on after the group stage."

Berhalter is excited about the 16-team tournament – which starts on June 20 – taking place on home soil and feels the USA supporters understand how significant hosting the event is.

He added: "I think they do. We have so many different cultures in the United States that I think there is going to be a huge appreciation for what is happening. 

"This is a mini-World Cup. The fans want to get a taste of what it’s going to be like in 2026. Now is time to check it out. 

"I think you are going to see some great stadiums, great soccer, competitive soccer, and some really great support.

"The whole idea with this and the World Cup is to try and really captivate the public and grow the game. That’s what we’re trying to do as a group. 

"The two sides of it are the public really getting to know our players as people because it’s a special group of guys, and then the second thing is performing well so that everyone wants to turn on the TV and watch us."

USA open their campaign against Bolivia in Dallas on June 23, before taking on Panama in Atlanta four days later.

It is world champions Argentina, who also won the last Copa America, who will open the tournament with a match against either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago, with the final qualification spots yet to be finalised.

Brazil, meanwhile, will start their Group D campaign against either Costa Rica or Honduras on June 24.

United States head coach Gregg Berhalter feels his side have been handed a tough draw in the 2024 Copa America, but he knew that was always likely to be the case.

Tournament hosts USA will take on Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia in Group C after the draw was made in Miami.

USMNT and Uruguay will be the initial favourites to progress from the pool and reach the quarter-finals.

But securing first place could be even more important on this occasion than in other tournaments, because the runners-up are likely to face Brazil, who will be expected to top Group D, in the last eight.

"It is a tough group," said Berhalter.

"I think any group that was going to be drawn was going to be difficult - the Copa America is a very difficult tournament. 

"For us, we’re excited to finally know our competitors. Now it’s about planning our game plans and getting ready to compete."

Berhalter is aware that getting the fans on side will be crucial to USA's chances of success at the tournament, which starts on June 20 and features 16 teams.

What was clear from the coach's reaction to the draw is that USA are thinking beyond just progressing from the group.

He added: "The important thing is we want to capture the fans. We want to get the country behind us and go on a run. 

"We know you have to get through your group first. After you get through your group, then it’s about a knockout tournament. 

"We’re trying to compete in that stage of the tournament and hopefully be competing for a trophy.

"It's really a dream come true for us that we’re hosting the tournament and we get to play at home. The guys are really excited about it and it’s really something to look forward to for us.

"There are no disadvantages [to hosting]. We are really looking forward to trying to get the home supporters behind us and really creating great momentum."

USA's first game will be against Bolivia in Dallas on June 23.