The Copa America is only a few months away after a long hiatus, and it figures to be bigger, bolder, and better this time around.
In the last edition of this tournament, only 10 teams competed for the coveted continental trophy. However, that number has increased to 16 nations this time, which includes the 10 member teams from CONMEBOL, four teams from CONCACAF, and two winners from the play-off games on March 23.
Argentina come into this tournament as the defending champions. But while they’re favoured by the Copa America 2024 odds to successfully defend their title, the increased playing field means that they’ll have to earn it the hard way.
Without further ado, continue reading below as SBOTOP does its best to offer a sneak peek at the Copa America.
USA in for a tough hosting job
The 2024 Copa America had been expected to be hosted by Ecuador because of CONMEBOL’s host rotation order, but they ultimately decided to decline. Peru and the USA had both expressed interest, but the organising rights were eventually awarded to the latter as a build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
So, this means that the USA have directly qualified. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re content to just be playing here, as they’ll be eager to prove their credentials and gauge themselves among the best in the region.
Football (or soccer) in the USA has grown significantly in the last few years because of two things. First, more of their players are currently playing in Europe, and second, the high-profile arrival of Lionel Messi elevated Major League Soccer.
The likes of Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Timothy Weah (Juventus), and Tim Ream (Fulham) basically prove the first point. Not only are they playing for some of the top European teams, they have been important to their squads as well.
And with their coaching situation all sorted out with Gregg Berhalter still in charge, this means that the program should be stable for the foreseeable future.
In the upcoming competition, the USA are bunched with Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia, but they’re capable of making it far in this tournament.
Argentina getting out of the group stage is the bare minimum
Speaking of getting out of their group, Argentina should be able to do that with no problem against the likes of Peru, Chile, and one of the play-off winners.
After all, Argentina are not only the defending Copa America champions but also the reigning World Cup titlists, and they flexed their muscles during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers last year, as they’re on top of their continent.
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will still lead the way for La Albiceleste, but the team won’t be over-reliant on his magic, especially as he gets older.
Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Julian Alvarez, and Angel Correa are some of the names to look out for, and all of them are capable of generating Copa America 2024 highlights.
On the other hand, Lionel Scaloni confirmed that he will stay on as coach of Argentina after raising doubts about his long-term future with the country last November. And if he decides to ultimately leave, then winning another Copa America trophy is the perfect way to end his tenure.
Brazil in the proverbial “Group of Death”
But the one team that’s in Argentina’s way is Brazil, so La Albiceleste are hoping that the Samba Boys will be worn out by the time we’re into the knockout phase of the Copa America.
Dorival Junior was recently appointed as the new head coach for Brazil, and he’s up for a huge challenge here in this tournament, as they’re grouped alongside Colombia, Paraguay, and one of the play-off winners.
The former Flamengo mentor will have to do it without their talisman, Neymar, as the Al-Hilal winger has yet to return to action after he suffered a major knee injury during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers last November.
But still, Brazil are one of the favourites in this tournament because they have a deep squad, with the likes of Richarlison, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli, Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, Raphinha, Rodrygo, and team captain Casemiro spearheading the charge.
Another development to look out for is the possibility that we will get to see Endrick make his big tournament debut for the Samba Boys in this competition. The 17-year-old Real Madrid-bound striker is dubbed as the next big thing, drawing similarities to the late Pele.
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