Morocco definitely better today, but this is still a success for US soccer. We didn't even qualify for 4 of the 5 prior games and it's only the 2nd time we've made it out of the group state since the Olympics became a U23 tournament in 1992.
Some teams definitely gear up to win this more than others as well. If we really wanted to win, I would not think 3 MLS lifers would be our choices for the 3 overage slots. The other thing that most teams deal with is all the age eligible guys who could participate, but are already senior regulars. For us that'd be Scally, Musah, Reyna, Cardoso, Tillman, Pepi and Balogun.
Morocco definitely had basicially their best crop of U23 eligible players. 37 full international caps in the starting lineup excluding the overage players. Plus Achraf Hakimi, who absolutely wrecked us, as an overage player who is a full time starter at PSG and one of the best players in the world.
With us hosting in 2028, it'll be interesting to see that squad in 4 years. I'd imagine we'd try and load it up as much as is possible to go for a medal on home soil