Four nations who underperformed at this summer's major tournaments

Another summer of international football reached its conclusion with Argentina’s win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. Lionel Messi ensured his country retained the title they won in between their 2022 World Cup triumph, living up to expectations of those making a football bet. Elsewhere, Spain won the European Championship for the third time with a victory over England in Berlin.

It was a wonderful summer for the Spanish-speaking nations, However, plenty of countries left a lot to be desired with their performances in both the Euros and Copa America. Whether failing to make the most of their nation’s immense potential or flattering to deceive on the biggest of occasions, there are several sides wishing they had performed better in their respective tournaments.

With that in mind, here are four nations who underperformed at this summer's major tournaments. Read on to find out more.

United States

The host of Copa America and one of three countries holding the 2026 World Cup, the United States were disappointing on home soil as they failed to get out of their group. A win over Bolivia was not enough to salvage progression to the quarter-finals, having suffered two defeats to Uruguay and Panama in chaotic games that showed a lack of discipline and maturity.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Americans ahead of the World Cup, with the performances costing USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter his job. The likes of Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner are rumoured to be candidates in the dugout come 2026.

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance for Portugal was one that looked stiff and disjointed, lacking his usual finesse as one of the game’s greatest players limped out of the Euros with defeat to France on penalties.

Roberto Martinez’s reluctance to hook his talisman – especially with the likes of Diogo Jota fit and available from the bench – ultimately proved to be Portugal’s downfall, with a defeat over Georgia in the group stage and a limp shootout win over Slovenia culminating with capitulation in the last eight.

It will be interesting to see if Portugal’s new wave of talent can improve upon their shortcomings at the Euros, and which striker will step up in Ronaldo’s absence.

Brazil

Brazil looked to be one of the pre-tournament favourites for the Copa America. Even without Neymar, new manager Dorival Junior had a wealth of talent at his disposal, but the lack of cutting edge proved to be the undoing of the five-time World Cup champions, as they were unable to put games to bed.

A draw in their opening game was a sign of things to come, and after finishing second in the group they failed to score in 120 minutes against Uruguay, bowing out on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Neymar is expected to be back for the World Cup, with the 32-year-old looking for one last trophy with the Seleção, who last won international silverware in 2019.

England

Arriving in Germany looking to go one better than their defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020, England under Gareth Southgate made it all the way to Berlin without playing a convincing 90 minutes of football throughout their entire campaign.

There were moments of brilliance from the Three Lions – Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ late winner against the Dutch – but for most of the tournament, Southgate’s cautious approach and inability to select the best lineup cost his side, culminating in defeat to Spain in the final.

The Spanish were ultimately worthy winners, having gone the entire tournament with a 100% record, and England can say they lost to the better side. However, Southgate should have done more with the players they had, and the manager eventually stepped down to make way for a new generation of English football, reaching two finals and a semi-final in his four major tournaments during his time in charge.