The 48th edition of Copa America, South America’s premier football tournament, kicks off tomorrow Friday, June 21st in the United States! For the first time, 16 teams will vie for the coveted trophy, with the opening match kicking off at 5:45 am Nepal Time in Atlanta, Georgia. Defending champions Argentina will face Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Expanded Tournament Welcomes CONCACAF Teams
This year’s Copa America marks a historic expansion, welcoming a record 16 teams. This includes the 10 member nations of South America’s CONMEBOL confederation, joined by 6 invitees from the CONCACAF region of North, and Central America and the Caribbean. Previously, the tournament featured only 12 teams. The expansion reflects a growing partnership between the two confederations, encompassing women’s football and club tournaments alongside the Copa America. The additional teams were selected through the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League.
Second Time Outside South America
The United States plays host for the second time in Copa America history. The centennial edition of the tournament in 2016 was also held on American soil. Originally slated for Ecuador, the 2024 Copa America was shifted to the US after the local government expressed hosting limitations.
This edition serves as a valuable preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
From Atlanta to Miami: A Tournament Across America
The Copa America will unfold across 14 stadiums in 10 different states. Texas, Florida, and California lead the way with three stadiums each, while Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri, and Kansas each boast one hosting venue.
Title Contenders: Familiar Faces and Rising Stars
Argentina and Brazil, traditional powerhouses, are considered top contenders. Uruguay, boasting 15 Copa America titles alongside Argentina, also enters the competition with high hopes. Argentina’s squad features several key figures from their victorious 2022 World Cup campaign, including Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Emiliano Martinez, and Rodrigo de Paul.
Brazil, seeking their tenth Copa America title, leans heavily on young stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Vinicius, fresh off La Liga and Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, is a strong Ballon d’Or contender. Rodrygo, also set to join Real Madrid next season, is another exciting name to watch.
Uruguay, under the guidance of manager Marcelo Bielsa, presents a strong challenge. The 68-year-old Bielsa, who narrowly missed Copa America glory with Argentina in 2004, aims to secure his first title with Uruguay. Their last Copa America win came in 2011, while Argentina and Chile have each claimed the trophy once since then.
Messi’s Potential Farewell?
Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, Lionel Messi hinted that the 2024 Copa America could be his final international tournament. At 36 years old and currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi is unlikely to compete in the next World Cup. He aims to capture his third major title for Argentina, adding to his 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup victories. With the final held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, just a short distance from Inter Miami’s home base, a potential Argentine victory would be a fitting conclusion to Messi’s legendary international career.
Group Stage Breakdown
The 16 teams are divided into four groups:
- Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
- Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
- Group C: USA, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
- Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
