The United States, the host nation, bid farewell to the Copa America football tournament in the first round following a 1-0 loss to group leaders Uruguay, finishing in third place. Panama advanced to the quarter-finals by securing second place. Defender Matías Olivera scored the decisive goal to lead Uruguay to the top of Group C and qualify for the quarter-finals, achieving their third consecutive victory, the first time they won all first-round matches since 1959. Panama won 3-1 against Bolivia to occupy second place with six points, three points ahead of the United States.
Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ogarte said, "It was very difficult to play in this stadium. But when we had to play and score, we succeeded. It's a matter of adapting to the matches and moments of each game." The defeat heightened the pressure on U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, as fans chanted "Fire Greg" during the second half and after the final whistle. Berhalter told reporters, "We are aware of our ability to do more, and in this tournament, we did not show that. It's really that simple. I think we should have done better in this tournament."
The United States, which needed a win to qualify for the quarter-finals, started the match strongly but Uruguay dominated as the first half progressed, turning the match into a physical contest. The game featured a series of stops and physical confrontations, with the referee struggling to control the situation at times and making some controversial decisions regarding play advantages.
