The Copa America 2024 is the 48th edition of the tournament, organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, featuring national teams from South America. The 2024 edition is hosted by the United States, marking the second time the tournament is held outside South America (the first being in 2016, also in the USA).
The Teams
Sixteen teams are participating this year:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- United States (Host)
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Jamaica
- Canada
How They Qualified
CONMEBOL Teams: The 10 South American teams automatically qualify as they are members of CONMEBOL.
CONCACAF Teams: The 6 teams from the CONCACAF region qualified through the CONCACAF Nations League and other regional qualifiers.
What’s at Stake
For many of these countries, the Copa America represents an opportunity to showcase their footballing talent, gain international prestige, and boost national pride. For some, it’s a chance to break long-standing droughts or prove their development on the world stage. The tournament also provides a platform for players to shine and potentially secure moves to bigger clubs.
Participating Teams and What to Expect
- Context: Argentina is coming off wins in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. With Lionel Messi possibly playing his last Copa America, and Ángel Di María retiring from international soccer after the tournament the team is highly motivated.
- What to Look For: A mix of experienced stars and new talents, focusing on attacking play and quick transitions. Key players include Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María.
- Context: Brazil has a balanced squad with top players in every position and one of the deepest rosters in the tournament.
- What to Look For: Traditional attacking flair and solid defense, with key players like Neymar Jr., Vinícius Jr., and Alisson Becker. Watch for their ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities.
Bolivia
- Context: Bolivia has struggled historically but shown some improvement recently.
- What to Look For: A disciplined, defensive approach with counter-attacks and set-pieces. Key players like Marcelo Moreno will be crucial for their success.
- Context: Chile winning the last Copa America held in the United States, is in a transition phase but still has experienced players like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez and the arrival of coach Ricardo Gareca.
- What to Look For: High-intensity pressing and creative midfield play. New talents like Ben Brereton Díaz will be looking to make an impact.
- Context: This Colombian squad hasn’t lost a match since March 2022 and is boasting a strong squad with a mix of experienced and new players, definitely a contender coming into Copa America.
- What to Look For: Intense, attacking football led by James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz. Their defense, anchored by Davinson Sánchez, will also be key.
Ecuador
- Context: Ecuador is on the rise with a young, dynamic team.
- What to Look For: High-energy play and quick transitions. Key players include Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata.
Paraguay
- Context: Paraguay is currently in a rebuilding with a focus on youth talent.
- What to Look For: Solid defense and quick counter-attacks. Veteran leadership from players like Miguel Almirón will be important.
- Context: Peru has performed consistently well in recent tournaments.
- What to Look For: A well-organized team with a mix of experienced and young players. Key players include André Carrillo and Gianluca Lapadula.
Uruguay
- Context: Uruguay is the most successful team in Copa America history, and is seen as a contender to win with a solid performance in World Cup qualification matches.
- What to Look For: A mix of resilient play and individual talent from players like Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez.
Venezuela
- Context: Venezuela is looking to make a breakthrough as they have yet to win the tournament.
- What to Look For: Strong desire to establish themselves as serious contenders with emerging talents like Yeferson Soteldo and Josef Martínez.
- Context: As hosts, the US aims to capitalize on home advantage and a solid generation of players, The US will be looking to show up in a tournament outside of CONCACAF.
- What to Look For: A blend of young and experienced players looking to prove their growth in soccer. Key players include Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
- Context: Mexico has consistently performed well in past Copa America editions, but with a few experienced players being left off the squad their current generation will have plenty to prove.
- What to Look For: Strong, competitive play with a mix of players with european experience and young talents. Key players include Hirving Lozano and Raúl Jiménez.
Costa Rica
- Context: Costa Rica is a consistent performer in CONCACAF.
- What to Look For: Tactical prowess and disciplined play. Key players include Keylor Navas and Joel Campbell.
Panama
- Context: Panama is relatively new to this level of competition but showing promise in recent tournaments.
- What to Look For: A team eager to gain experience and make a significant impact. Key players include Michael Murillo and Alberto Quintero.
- Context: Jamaica is looking to make a strong impression as a guest team. They have shown promise in regional competitions like the Gold Cup.
- What to Look For: Athletic and physical style of play. Key players include Leon Bailey and Michail Antonio. Their performance will be crucial in establishing themselves as serious contenders on a larger stage.
Canada
- Context: Canada is experiencing a resurgence in soccer playing in their first Copa America.
- What to Look For: Rising stars and solid team play, showing progress on a larger stage. Key players include Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Argentina vs. Brazil
- Why to Watch: This is one of the most anticipated matchups in world football. With stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, it’s always a high-stakes game.
- Uruguay vs. Argentina
- Why to Watch: Historic rivalry with intense and competitive matches. Key players include Federico Valverde and Lionel Messi.
- Brazil vs. Colombia
- Why to Watch: These teams have a history of competitive encounters, mixing Brazil’s attacking flair with Colombia’s tactical prowess.
- Chile vs. Peru
- Why to Watch: Known as the “Clásico del Pacífico,” this rivalry is always fierce and competitive.
- Mexico vs. United States
- Why to Watch: The rivalry between these two North American teams is intense and carries significant pride.
- Argentina vs. Chile
- Why to Watch: Recent history includes thrilling matches, including two Copa America finals.
- Brazil vs. Uruguay
- Why to Watch: Two of South America’s football powerhouses, this matchup features Brazil’s flair versus Uruguay’s resilient play.
- Colombia vs. Chile
- Why to Watch: Both teams have a history of producing exciting and competitive matches.
- Peru vs. Ecuador
- Why to Watch: This match could be crucial for both teams’ hopes of progressing in the tournament.
- United States vs. Canada
- Why to Watch: A growing rivalry in North American football, showcasing the progress both teams have made.
Final Thoughts
The Copa America 2024 is set to be an exciting tournament, with each team bringing its unique style and story. From historical powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil to emerging forces like Canada and Ecuador, there will be plenty of action and key matchups to watch. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a casual viewer, this year’s Copa America is an event worth following.
