USMNT's Copa America squad speaks volumes about MLS role in American soccer

The United States men's national team roster for the upcoming Copa America tournament includes just three active players from Major League Soccer - a sign that top American players tend to play abroad beginning at young ages, seeing MLS as a stepping stone.

Before 25-year-old defender Mark McKenzie transferred to Belgium's Genk, he played for the Philadelphia Union in MLS, making 48 appearances for the club. With his departure, the number of MLS players on the U.S. men's national team roster for the Copa America tournament fell to just three: Miles Robinson [FC Cincinnati], Sean Johnson [Toronto FC], and Shaq Moore [Nashville SC].

Robinson has represented the United States at the under-20 and under-23 levels. In 2013, he was invited to train with the under-18 team. After a decorated collegiate career at Syracuse, Gregg Berhalter called the center back to the senior national team in 2019. Johnson holds both U.S. and Jamaican citizenship and has played for both national teams. He started with the Jamaican team and switched to the U.S. men's under-20 team in 2009.

Moore attended the renowned IMG Academy, which has produced many of America's top athletes. After declining an opportunity to play for Trinidad and Tobago at the under-15 level, Moore chose to represent the United States and has played for the national team since the under-17 level.

Established in 1993, MLS is still in its infancy compared to Europe's storied leagues. La Liga, Spain's premier division, kicked off in 1929, while England's First Division, now known as the Premier League, began its inaugural season in 1888.

In Europe, player development is rooted in academies and lower-tier leagues, providing a talent pipeline ready for the professional stage. Conversely, the U.S. focuses more on college sports, which, despite offering valuable experiences, requires players to catch up against the physical demands of pro-level soccer.

Miles Robinson is one of three MLS players on the USMNT

The allure of European football is strong for many American players, who dream of competing in more competitive leagues, playing in larger stadiums, earning bigger paychecks, and challenging themselves against the world's best. Christian Pulisic, the captain of the U.S. national team, exemplifies this ambition.

After signing a four-year contract with AC Milan, he became the highest-paid American-born player, and he will remain at the club until 2027. The transfer fee for Pulisic was reported to be up to $24.2 million, with an initial $20 million plus $2 million in add-ons, along with a significant sell-on clause for any future transfers.

Before joining AC Milan, Pulisic played for Chelsea, signing a $63.6 million contract in 2019. His journey from the MLS to the heights of European football underscores American players' growing presence and potential on the global stage.

Christian Pulisic is America's highest-paid player

U.S. Men's National Team Copa America Roster

• Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath [Cardiff City], Sean Johnson [Toronto FC.], Matt Turner [Nottingham Forest]
• Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers [Celtic], Kristoffer Lund [Palermo], Mark McKenzie [Genk], Shaq Moore [Nashville], Tim Ream [Fulham], Chris Richards [Crystal Palace], Antonee Robinson [Fulham], Miles Robinson [FC Cincinnati], Joe Scally [Borussia Monchengladbach]
• Midfielders: Tyler Adams [Bournemouth], Johnny Cardoso [Real Betis], Luca de la Torre [Celta Vigo], Weston McKennie [Juventus], Yunus Musah [AC Milan], Gio Reyna [Nottingham Forest], Malik Tillman [PSV Eindhoven]
• Forwards: Brenden Aaronson [Union Berlin], Folarin Balogun [Monaco], Ricardo Pepi [PSV Eindhoven], Christian Pulisic [AC Milan], Josh Sargent [Norwich City], Timothy Weah [Juventus], Haji Wright [Coventry City]