The Copa America, the oldest national teams' tournament in the world, will take place in the United States from June 20th to July 14th.
This event is one of the most captivating international tournaments, having hosted many world-class players over the years. Known for its vibrant atmosphere both on and off the pitch, the Copa America is a celebration of football and culture.
Ecuador was originally set to host the tournament as part of CONMEBOL's rotational hosting policy. However, Ecuador eventually withdrew its bid, and the United States was granted the privilege to host the Copa America for the second time, the first instance being in 2016. This will mark only the second occasion that the tournament will be held outside of South America, a decision aimed at strengthening the relationship between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF.
This tournament could also signal the beginning of a new tradition: a united competition that includes teams from both confederations, potentially paving the way for more collaborative events in the future.
(Photo courtesy: Copa America Conmebol official accounts)
The Format
The 2024 Copa America will feature 16 national teams divided into four groups, with four teams per group. The participants include ten teams from South America, four teams that qualified from the CONCACAF Nations League, and two additional CONCACAF playoff winners. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
Fourteen stadiums across the United States will host the tournament. The opening match will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the final will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Argentina: As the reigning world champions, Argentina enters the tournament with confidence after winning the last two major tournaments. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has included most of the 2022 World Cup squad, with the notable exception of Paulo Dybala, despite his excellent season with Roma in Serie A. Argentina is once again the favourite to win the tournament.
Peru: Known for their success in short tournaments, Peru's Copa America performance over the past 13 years has been impressive. Under new head coach Jorge Fossati, and with veteran striker Paolo Guerrero still in the squad, Peru will aim for a strong showing and is a contender for the second spot in the group.
Chile: Ricardo Gareca, who previously succeeded with Peru, will lead Chile after a poor start in the World Cup qualifiers led to his appointment. Despite the absence of veterans Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal, the balance of experienced players and promising youngsters makes Chile a strong candidate for second place.
Canada: Showcasing potential in the 2022 World Cup, Canada's primary goal is to prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Recently appointed head coach Jesse Marsch and a talented group of young players position Canada as a competitive team aiming to progress beyond the group stage.
Game to Watch: Chile vs. Canada
In Group A, where Argentina is the clear favourite, the match between Chile and Canada could determine the second team to advance. Both teams have new head coaches facing their first significant test, making this match a critical encounter in the group stage.
Player to Watch: Jonathan David (Canada)
Lille's 24-year-old striker Jonathan David enters the Copa America after an outstanding season. Born in Brooklyn, David moved to Haiti shortly after birth and then to Ottawa, Canada, at the age of six. In 2019, he was named Canadian Player of the Year, and two years later, he became the most expensive Canadian player when Lille paid €30 million to Gent. David's performance will be essential for Canada's success in the tournament.
The two Rosarinos to lead the world champions in the Copa America this summer. Lionel Mess and Angel Di Maria (Photo courtesy: Copa America Conmebol official accounts)
Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
Mexico: The Mexican national team has faced challenges in recent months, with poor performances and dominance by the United States in their recent encounters. Jaime Lozano, a less familiar local coach, is trying to balance veterans and new talents, notably leaving out Hirving Lozano and Memo Ochoa. Mexico's group is competitive, and its primary goal is to advance to the next stage.
Ecuador: On paper, Ecuador appears to be the strongest team in the group. With a new coach, Felix Sanchez, and several players competing at the highest European levels, Ecuador aims to surpass their best Copa America finish—4th place in 1993. Key absences due to disciplinary issues include Gonzalo Plata and Roberto Arboleda. However, 16-year-old prodigy Kendry Paez will participate in his first major senior tournament.
Venezuela: After a strong start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Venezuela aims to maintain its momentum in the Copa America. Salomon Rondon is in excellent form, having been named Concacaf Champions League MVP and top scorer while leading Pachuca to the title. Venezuela will compete with Mexico and Ecuador for the top two spots, making its chances quite promising.
Jamaica: One of the most improved teams in Concacaf, Jamaica has benefited from the FA's efforts to recruit Jamaican-born players from Europe, particularly England. While they are considered the fourth team in this group, qualifying for the quarterfinals would be a significant achievement.
Game to Watch: Ecuador vs. Mexico
The match between Ecuador and Mexico on matchday three could be the most crucial in Group B, potentially determining the group winner or qualification for the next round. Both teams are expected to have strong fan support in the US, making this encounter one of the main highlights of the group stage.
Player to Watch: Kendry Paez (Ecuador)
At just 17 years old, Kendry Paez is already a standout player. The Independiente del Valle star, who has signed with Chelsea and will move to England when he turns 18, is set to debut in a major senior tournament with Ecuador. Despite a recent disciplinary incident, Paez is focused on succeeding with "La Tri." Regarded as one of the best young talents globally, he is a player to watch closely.
Group C: USA, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
USA: The host nation boasts talented players, many of whom are currently playing in Europe. Despite their potential, head coach Gregg Berhalter has faced criticism for failing to harness the squad's capabilities fully. The Copa America will be a crucial test for him, especially with the World Cup just two years away. Failure to advance from this group could jeopardize his position. The USA aims to qualify as one of the top two teams in the group.
Uruguay: Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay is considered the strongest team in the group. The team has performed well in recent matches, and with Luis Suarez in excellent form at 37, playing for Inter Miami, they have a potent attacking option. Edinson Cavani, however, has retired from international football. Uruguay, aiming to lift the Copa America trophy for the first time since 2011, seeks to surpass Argentina's record with a 16th title.
Panama: Panama has made significant progress in recent years, becoming a solid side within CONCACAF. However, they still lag behind teams like the USA and Uruguay. It will be challenging for them to advance from this group, though they have notable players, such as Houston Dynamo's midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who could make an impact.
Bolivia: Bolivia is the underdog in this group, and it is unlikely they will advance. The team performs much better when playing at high altitude in La Paz, a significant advantage they won't have in the United States. Unlike many other Latin American teams, Bolivia has a smaller support base in the States.
Game to Watch: USA vs. Uruguay
This match will likely decide the group winner, a crucial factor as the top team would probably avoid facing Brazil in the quarterfinals. The USA and Uruguay have only met once in an official tournament, with Uruguay winning 1-0 in the 1993 Copa America. With strong home support and a talented squad, the USA can win the group.
The USA need Captain America at full form to compete in this tournament. Christian Pulisic (Photo courtesy: Conmebol Copa America official accounts)
A player to watch: Darwin Nuñez (Uruguay)
His season with Liverpool wasn't good, with many ups and downs, but he's a different player in the national team. With the retirement of Edinson Cavani and Lucho Suarez beyond his prime, Nuñez becomes the main figure of Uruguay. He scored a hat trick against Mexico and looks ready for his biggest mission. If the 'Celeste' wants to win, they need Nuñez at his best.
Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Brazil enters the tournament with renewed vigour under Dorival Junior. Their offense is particularly formidable, boasting young talents like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and the prodigious Endrick. Brazil is favoured to win not only their group but also the tournament.
Colombia is in excellent form, having gone 23 matches unbeaten, largely under new coach Nestor Lorenzo. Despite having fewer players in top European leagues, they excel as a cohesive unit with a balanced approach. Despite difficulties playing regularly, James Rodriguez is still a vital part of Lorenzo's puzzle, along with Lucho Diaz. If their current form continues, they could make a deep run in the tournament.
Paraguay is struggling under head coach Daniel Garnero, with only one win in six qualifiers and poor offensive output. With Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso, and Derlis Gonzales up front, their chances of advancing depend heavily on their performance in the crucial first match against Colombia.
The obvious is to write that Costa Rica will probably be eliminated in the group stage. On the other hand, the last time that it's been written regarding the 'Ticos', they won their 2014 World Cup group stage, which was much more difficult. So it's a different national team today, much younger and without the iconic Keylor Navas, who retired. Playing against strong CONMEBOL teams will prepare Costa Rica for their World Cup qualifier matches, but it seems impossible for them to qualify for the quarterfinal.
A game to watch: Brazil-Colombia
This fixture has been thrilling and competitive in recent years. With a new coach, Brazil remains the favourite, but Colombia's recent victory in their last qualifier encounter adds intrigue. This match can decide the group's winner.
A player to watch: Endrick (Brazil)
It's hard to believe that there's anyone who still doesn't know the 17-year-old phenomenal. He burst onto the scene at 15 with Palmeiras and very quickly became a regular starter. Two years later, he is starring for the national team as well and has scored three winners in three matches. The wonderkid has already signed with Real Madrid and will move to Spain when he turns 18.
