one bit of news and one realization about the format:
The Copa America will officially have 26 man rosters. As long as GGG avoids any “eyes and vibes” guys, this is great news as more players can go and possibly more Olympic spots will open up as a result. So many players are still U-23 eligible. The Olympic roster might end up weaker as a result, but more young players will get that exposure in Paris, and possibly more dual nationals use it as an opportunity to choose the red, white, and blue.
I just realized the format in the knockouts is that two groups are completely on one side of the bracket and the other two completely on the other. The reason is obvious- no matter what the results are in the group stages, Brazil and Argentina are on opposite sides of the bracket. That’s the final the Comnebol wants. It also means that the US (assuming getting out of the group) will have to beat two of Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia en route to the final, where they most likely face Argentina. If GGG can get the US to the final with that path, they should erect a statue of him in Frisco and (after finishing a huge helping of crow I would need to eat) I would gladly donate $1000 to the cause. Apologies if this has been mentioned upthread but that is a tough break for the USMNT.