Share this @internewscast.com

PSV fullback and USMNT star Sergino Dest is openly questioning why his home country is hosting the Copa America, one of the more prestigious international tournaments in world football.

The Copa America, CONMEBOL’s flagship cup competition, is traditionally hosted by South American nations – but has been held outside the continent before.

‘I would love to have had it (Copa America) in South America,’ Dest told The Athletic. 

‘It’s like you’re playing the Euros in Africa. It doesn’t make sense to me. But nowadays everything is about the money. 

USMNT full back Sergino Dest questioned the decision to host the Copa America in the USA

USMNT full back Sergino Dest questioned the decision to host the Copa America in the USA

‘I’d love to have seen it in Brazil or Colombia and seen that passion for football.

‘It should be a culture thing; for the fans it is, but for others it’s business, unfortunately.’

The Copa America has been hosted outside CONMEBOL before: when the United States brought the 2016 edition of the tournament to US shores.

2024’s Copa America was supposed to be hosted by Ecuador. However, the country declined hosting the tournament in November of 2022 when organizers said it wouldn’t be possible to host the competition. CONMEBOL then chose to give the tournament to the USA.

Regardless of where the tournament is being played, Dest says the USMNT are hopeful to make an improvement from their form at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – a competition the right back started all four games in. 

‘We are a young team, and when we went to the 2022 World Cup we were on an upward curve but we also had some setbacks,’ says Dest.

‘The line isn’t always rising though, it can go down. We need to get back to our shape now, get back together. At this moment I think if we were to play the World Cup tomorrow, we would not be ready.

‘The Copa can have a great effect and we will also see where we stand, but even that is (four) months from now. In that time, a lot can still happen.

Dest says he'd much rather be playing the games in Brazil or Colombia to see their passion

Dest says he’d much rather be playing the games in Brazil or Colombia to see their passion

Just months ago, Dest was sent off from a game against Trinidad and Tobago in a fit of rage

Just months ago, Dest was sent off from a game against Trinidad and Tobago in a fit of rage

‘The warm-up game against Colombia (set to be played in June before the tournament begins) will be amazing. A great opponent we can test ourselves against.’

That game against Colombia will be played in the Washington, D.C. metro area – with another match against Brazil on the cards at a to-be-determined location.

Following that, the USMNT plays its group stage games against Bolivia in Dallas on June 23, against Panama in Atlanta on June 27, and against Uruguay in Kansas City on July 2.

Dest notably got sent off in a game against Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the Copa America as he lost his temper at referee Walter Lopez.

Despite the loss in the game, the United States officially qualified for the competition on aggregate. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Liverpool’s Leader Speaks Out About Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Move to Real Madrid, Expressing Disappointment

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has revealed what he really thought about Trent…

FIFA Initiates Disciplinary Investigation Following Racism Allegation Involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger at Club World Cup

A disciplinary investigation has been launched after Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger accused…

Comparing Man United’s Three Striker Options: A 25-Goal Ex-Premier League Struggler, an Unwanted Top-League Rival’s Striker, and a Sought-After European No. 9 Who Once Turned Down Arsenal

In years gone by, a move to Manchester United would represent the…

Manchester United’s Overlooked Loanee Donny van de Beek Faces Setback as Eintracht Frankfurt Declines £9.5 Million Purchase Option

Donny van de Beek looks set to return to Manchester United with…

PSG Unveils 2025/26 Home Kit with Eiffel Tower Inspiration

Paris Saint-Germain will be defending their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown in…

Bayern Munich to recruit ‘Two Metre Messi’ to fill Harry Kane’s shoes, potentially dashing England’s hopes

Bayern Munich have finally found a new forward, and it may not…

Kylian Mbappe’s Investment in France’s SailGP Team: The Reasons Behind His Decision

Back in March 2025, Kylian Mbappé made a surprising business move by…

Crystal Palace Sees European Prospects Improve as Major French Club Faces Surprise Relegation to Ligue 2 Due to Financial Issues

Crystal Palace appear to have been handed a dramatic European reprieve after…

David Beckham and Mail Sport Advocate for Honoring England’s Legendary World Cup Captain Bobby Moore

Sir David Beckham today leads the star names calling for 1966 World…

Inter Unveils 2025/26 Away Kit Highlighting Inclusion and Diversity

Inter have officially unveiled their away kit for the 2025/26 season –…