Copa América 2024 Tournament Preview

Last Updated on June 18, 2024 9:08 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Copa América will once again bring together the best countries of the American continent, as was the case in the Centenario Edition of 2016. CONCACAF adds its strongest teams to this edition, which will be hosted by the United States and has several of the best teams in the world, including Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

But there are also big nations such as Brazil and Uruguay, as well as the surprising Colombia of Luis Díaz and James Rodriguez.This could also be a great opportunity for Mexico and the United States to show that there is not so much difference with South America.

Copa América 2024 favorites

Argentina (2.75)

It is the reigning world champion, and that already speaks of the level of the Argentine national team, which once again has Lionel Messi as its star, even though he is living the last years of his career in the MLS. It will also be a special event for Angel Di Maria, who will no longer wear the Albiceleste shirt at the end of his participation. These veterans will be accompanied by young stars such as Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, or Alexis Mac Allister, who already proved their worth at the last World Cup.

Brazil (3.25)

The Brazilian National Team has the great favorite to win the Ballon d’Or: Vinícius Jr., who, in the hottest moments of the season with Real Madrid, took charge by scoring or assisting. However, the Canarinha is just starting a process with coach Dorival Junior, who was not the first choice for the bench and does not count on Neymar, still injured since last year. It seems that this team, which will have Rodrygo wearing the mythical 10 jersey, lacks some experience and hierarchy.

Uruguay (6)

It is known that the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa generates good moments for the teams that hire him, but their performance has been magnificent, starting from the fact that they are second in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and that they have obtained an excellent performance from their men, especially Darwin Núñez, who looks like another player compared to what he shows at Liverpool. In addition, the Celeste will have the experience of Luis Suarez in the squad.

Colombia (12)

The Colombian National Team has 23 matches without losing, and it is not because it has faced weak opponents, since teams such as Brazil, Spain, Germany, Mexico, or the United States, for example, have fallen at their feet. It is the team with the best moment at the world level, it has extraordinary Luis Díaz and James Rodriguez so that all the pieces of Nestor Lorenzo work as they should.

Copa América 2024 outside picks

Mexico (12)

The Mexican National Team lost its last two games, including a 4-0 defeat against Uruguay. It also succumbed in the Nations League final versus the United States, and the moment for coach Jaime Lozano is not the best, as an improvement in results and play is expected soon.

United States (15)

They are the home team, the best in CONCACAF, and they are obliged to do well because they have never been able to break the walls of their confederation. Christian Pulisic is expected to be ready to lead a group that will face Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia.

Ecuador (17)

There is a lot of youth in this team, but it has the experience of playing in the last World Cup. Moisés Caicedo comes from a difficult season due to the more than 110 million euros paid by Chelsea for his signing and the performance he presented, but in the Tri his face is different.

Chile (29)

Arturo Vidal is no longer with them, but Ricardo Gareca relied on other experienced players such as Claudio Bravo and Alexis Sánchez, who won the championship twice (2015 and 2016). Forwards Ben Brereton and Diego Valdés are their players to watch.

Canadá (46)

It was in the 2022 World Cup and it is clear that it is a growing country, so the Copa America can be a good showcase. Bayern Munich wing-back Alphonso Davies is their top player, but look out for skillful striker Jonathan David, who has excelled in France with Lille.

Copa América 2024 Players to watch for

Vinícius Jr. (€180.00m)

Vinícius Jr. is the great favorite to be this year’s Ballon d’Or and the Copa América is his place to confirm it. He comes from scoring six goals in the Champions League, including one in the final. He finished the campaign with 24 goals for Real Madrid.

Luis Díaz (€75.00m)

Luis Díaz is one of the world’s most dynamic players, and in the Colombian National Team, he has become a standard bearer in the current undefeated 23 games. At Liverpool he has become accustomed to living with pressure and this year he has just won a trophy, the English League Cup.

Darwin Núñez (€70.00m)

Darwin Núñez had good moments in the season with Liverpool, but finished the campaign with just 11 Premier League goals and ten games without scoring, receiving a lot of criticism for his problems to score chances. However, in Uruguay, he has eight goals since Marcelo Bielsa arrived.

Lionel Messi (€30.00m)

He already won the Copa America last year and now has the opportunity to win another trophy with the Argentine national team. He is playing for Inter Miami, with whom he has 12 goals and 14 assists.

Julián Álvarez (€90.00m)

Already in the last World Cup, he showed that when he is given the opportunityhe grows.He comes from a good season with Manchester City, but without being so indisputable in the starting lineup, so standing out in the Copa America would be the blow on the table he needs.He scored 17 goals with the Citizens.

Our prediction for the Copa América 2024 podium

1. Argentina

2. Uruguay

3. Colombia

Best Players

Federico Valverde

Julián Álvarez

Luis Díaz

Disappointments

Brazil

Mexico

United States