The Copa America 2024 gets underway this Friday in the United States of America, with 16 teams vying for the trophy.
Historically a South American tournament, this year’s edition of the Copa America is a bit different, following a new partnership between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF—the governing bodies for South American football and the North, Central America, and Caribbean regions, respectively.
The USA is one of 6 CONCACAF teams that qualified via the CONCACAF Nations League to join 10 CONMEBOL nations in this tournament. This gives us 16 teams and a much simpler format than the Euros, with four groups of four teams and the top two in each group progressing to the quarter-finals.
Argentina are the defending champions following their famous win in 2021 (tournament delayed from 2020), which saw them defeat hosts Brazil in the final. Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the trophy as Argentina triumphed for the 15th time overall (equaling Uruguay’s record) but for the first time since 1993.
Copa America 2024 Tournament Favorites
Argentina and Brazil are almost always considered Copa America favorites due to their history and the quality of players they’ve produced over the years.
Any surprises? 🍿 pic.twitter.com/x9sMq3qsg2
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) June 18, 2024
Lionel Messi leads the defending champions and current FIFA World Cup holders, and they will be keen to show their recent form has been no fluke.
The Argentinian squad boasts other talent that will add to its strength, like Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), and Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), who all come with immense experience.
Brazil, on the other hand, also boasts serious talent, even though questions have been asked about the overall squad. Players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who have just won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, and wonderkid Endrick will all be out to make a name for themselves on the national team. Other players to look out for will be FC Barcelona’s Raphinha, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, and new star Savio, who was excellent for Girona last season and will soon be joining Manchester City.
Colombia, Uruguay, and Canada should all be strong enough to make a nuisance of themselves too in this year’s tournament.
