The 2024 edition of the Copa América takes place in the United States this summer, with the best teams from South America joined by several teams from the CONCACAF group. With Lionel Messi continuing his international career with Argentina, there will be great interest in the tournament. Traditional favorite Brazil also hopes to improve on poor showings at recent global events. At the same time, CONCACAF nations, such as the USA and Mexico, want to show that they have the quality to hang with these footballing powerhouses. Below is our guide outlining the three favorites for the tournament and two teams with an outside chance of winning the Copa América.
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1. Argentina
Every bookmaker publishing the Copa Americas odds has Argentina as the team to beat. Lionel Messi may be playing at club level in MLS, but he is still one of the best players in the world. With the way Lionel Scaloni sets up his team, he ensures that Messi gets the ball in the most dangerous areas to both take shots at goal and to set up his teammates.
If Argentina’s best players, such as Messi, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Christian Romero, and Emi Martinez, are fit, they should have a clear path to a semi-final at the very least.
Upsets can happen at international events, but this side will want to prove their 2022 World Cup triumph was not a one-off. They want to cement a dynasty at the tail end of Messi’s career and further enhance his legendary status in the sport.
2. Brazil
There is no writing off Brazil at any international tournament, not when their squad is this full of talent. While they may still need a permanent national team coach, there is much to admire about how Brazil plays football. Their recent friendly win against England at Wembley also proved they have the quality and know-how to deal with the very best teams in the world.
Youngster Endrick is stealing the limelight from some of his more experienced teammates. He scored the winner against the Three Lions at Wembley and will be starring at the Copa. How effectively he can combine with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha will go a long way towards determining Brazil’s success at this event.
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3. Uruguay
While Uruguay do not have the attacking talent they boasted in past tournaments, they are still a powerful team.
Facundo Pellistri provides pace on the counterattack, while Real Madrid star Fede Valverde is one of the best midfielders on the planet. They may surprise a few people at the Copa if they can find the right balance between their usual steely determination and more attacking verve.
Uruguay must ensure they pick the right team to hurt opponents rather than merely throwing their biggest names onto the field. The likes of Edinson Cavani may still have star power, but there are better options for some matches. Younger players are sometimes preferable, as they have more energy to track the pack and pressurize the opposition.
Outside Contender: United States
The United States is set to participate in this year’s Copa América while hosting the tournament. Packed stadiums around the USA will see some of the best players in the world in action.
While the Americans do not have the star power of Brazil or Argentina or even the international know-how of Uruguay, they are an up-and-coming team. Coach Gregg Berhalter has worked hard to instill a fighting spirit and a never-say-die attitude in his players. Gio Reyna does have a lot of talent, while midfielder Tyler Adams is also fit and expected to play a big role for the USMNT at the Copa.
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Outside Contender: Mexico
The Mexican national team is reeling after an adamant CONCACAF Nations League final loss to the United States at the end of March. Despite going into the game as slight favorites, they were beaten by goals from the Adams mentioned above and Reyna, down to their bitter rivals.
Mexican head coach Jaime Lozano will hope to get more out of his players at the Copa America this summer. Hirvig Lozano and Edson Alvarez have a lot of talent, while Uriel Antuna and Luis Chavez have also emerged as mainstays on the team.
Ultimately, the Mexicans will have to hunker down and do much defending at the Copa if they go all the way. While they have weapons in attack, their squad is less deep and full of talent than the favorites Argentina and Brazil.
A Historic Copa América in the USA
The United States' history at the Copa América is mainly unsuccessful, as they have never won the tournament. Despite being invited to participate on four previous occasions and even hosting the Centenario edition 2016, the Americans have never made a significant impression against the top South American teams. Many football fans are asking whether 2024 will be any different. Can the United States or Mexico cause an incredible upset to go all the way and win the Copa América? Or will the tradition of a South American nation consistently winning this tournament continue? One thing is sure – we know that we are in for a summer of great football.
