2024 Copa America
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Copa America 2024 is one of multiple big-time tournaments in the world of football this upcoming summer. We’ll see CONMEBOL teams mashed together with some of the better squads from the CONCACAF region. This will be a massive test for the United States as it looks toward hosting the 2026 World Cup. With a group stage game versus Uruguay, and a potential knockout stage match against Brazil, manager Gregg Berhalter will have his hands full. This piece will rank all of the field teams and provide some analysis as to how these teams may fare.
16. Bolivia
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Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
Bolivia’s record at the Copa America has been dismal, to say the least — they’ve won just one game in the tournament since 1997. Their 2023/2024 hasn’t been anything great either, securing just 1 win in 12 games. With the likes of Uruguay, Panama, and the USA in their group, we expect them to follow a similar fate to their past Copa performances.
15. Jamaica
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Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
Copa America will be a fantastic opportunity to scrutinize this Jamaica side to see what they’re really about. Rumors of player acquisitions and suggestions that they are a force to be reckoned with have come somewhat true: they shocked a good Canada side to qualify, and are loaded with talent like Damari Gray and Michail Antonio. Whether or not they can keep up with the demands of Copa America remains an interesting question to be answered.
14. Panama
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Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
Panama has had a surprising calendar year. They reached the 2023 Gold Cup final, losing 1-0 to Mexico. Since then, they’ve been on a tear, winning 6 out of 8 games until their eventual Nations League defeat semifinal defeat to Mexico. However, Copa America is a relatively newer beast for Panama, making only their second-ever appearance in the tournament. Despite this good form, it will be a mystery to see how Thomas Christiansen will set his side up.
13. Costa Rica
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Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Costa Rica was previously a team everyone would fear. They certainly had their own golden generation, which similar to Chile has come and gone. However, there are respectable younger players Costa Rica has to keep an eye on, such as teenager Jewison Bennette, who is signed for Sunderland in England. With Keylor Navas still between the sticks and leading Costa Rica, we wouldn’t be shocked to see some surprising performances.
12. Peru
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Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Peru is not entering this tournament with confidence. They have two wins in the last 365 days. They picked up just one point in their four World Cup qualifier matches, scoring zero goals. On top of that, they have been drawn into a group featuring Argentina, Chile, and Canada. While Peru historically performs well in Copa America, we think this time is a bridge too far.
11. Mexico
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Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
Mexico is not in a good way right now. A 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Uruguay right before the start of the tournament will not help. A disappointing group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup on top of the defeat to the USMNT in the Nations League final is a testament to the shape the Mexican federation is in right now. While El Tri’s squad has respectable talent, such as ‘Chucky’ Lozano, we think they don’t have enough to make it far in this tournament. That will not stop their fans high expectations, however.
10. Chile
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Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
The Chilean golden generation is over. Yes, Alexis Sanchez is still around, but at his age it is a safe bet to make that his impact will be minimal compared to what it once was. Questions as to whether or not the new generation of Chileans can take over successfully remains a “no.” Their performances in World Cup qualifying was less than stellar, and even a heroic 3-2 loss against France may not have built enough momentum for them to make a deep run this tournament.
9. Canada
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Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Canada’s recent form has been less than stellar. Not only did they require a playoff to qualify for Copa America, they beat an unconvincing Trinidad and Tobago side. Now, with American coach Jesse Marsch at the helm, and alongside star players Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, the Canadians will feel they have something to prove. However, with a group featuring Argentina and Chile, they will have a difficult path.
8. Paraguay
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Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Despite La Albirroja struggling in recent World Cup qualifications, Paraguay reached the quarterfinals in the last two Copas. They face a tough Group D, including Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica. Key players like Miguel Almirón, once of Newcastle United, and 2023 Puskas goal finalist Julio Enciso are expected to lead the squad, and aim to defy odds.
7. Venezuela
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Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
As one of only two CONMEBOL nations never to have won the Copa, La Vinotinto is invigorated by a new generation of stars, aiming to change their lackluster history. Their campaign kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on June 22 against Ecuador. Key players like Yangel Herrera, who’s had a stellar season with Girona FC, Yeferson Soteldo, a dynamic attacker with experience across multiple leagues, and Jefferson Savarino, Botafogo’s standout winger, are ready to lead the way for Venezuela.
6. Ecuador
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Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
Ecuador is a rock-solid team with a very impressive spine. Piero Hincapie is a fantastic young talent. The same can be said for Willian Pacho. Both age 22, the Bundesliga-based defenders will be core members of the backline in this tournament. Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo should get plenty of opportunity to pull the strings and be a real playmaker. Former LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes has established himself in Brazil with Cruzeiro. 17-year-old Kendry Paez is another player with some real talent. Ultimately, Ecuador is still relying on 34-year-old national team legend Enner Valencia for goals. While Argentina is a tough task, beating Bolivia and Honduras seems very feasible.
5. Colombia
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Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil
Colombia is currently third in qualifying for the CONMEBOL World Cup. After the ‘big three’ in the region, Colombia arguably has the most talent of any remaining squad. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is a focal point for the front line. The backline is quite potent on set pieces. We’ll see if 32-year-old James Rodriguez can conjure up some more magic as he ages. When looking at Colombia’s group, Los Cafeteros should have no trouble advancing.
4. United States
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Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
The expectations are real for Berhalter and this group. It’s the most talented collection of players the United States has ever had. The midfield in particular is quite deep and talented. Two questions persist: Can the United States manufacture goal-scoring chances in the run of play? Secondly, can this team make a deep run — thus giving the public some hope and optimism prior to hosting the 2026 World Cup? Either way, this will be a very fascinating point of reference.
3. Uruguay
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Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
This is a team no one wants to face. Uruguay is well-versed in big tournaments. The aura surrounding this side has grown even more with the appointment of genius Marcelo Bielsa as the manager. Uruguay is both unpredictable and disciplined — a combination that’s quite difficult to prepare for. Darwin Nunez will lead the front line alongside the talented Facundo Pellistri. The midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur-Manuel Ugarte-Fede Valverde is as good as you’ll find in this tournament. Lastly, defenders Ronald Araujo and Jose Gimenez make a formidable pairing. Uruguay without question is a dark horse to win this tournament.
2. Brazil
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Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil
Coming off a triumphant performance in the Champions League Final, Vini Jr. is arguably in the best form of any player in this field. He’s immensely dynamic whenever touching the ball, and the opposition must account for him whenever he’s ready to take defenders on with pace and flair. Though Neymar is out for this tournament, Brazil is still loaded with attacking talent. We’ll see how Brazil’s EPL-based midfield can control matches. We’re also highly anticipating the potential Copa America debut of 17-year-old starlet Endrick.
1. Argentina
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Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Argentina figures to be among the favorites here for this tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s side is comprehensive, deep, and ruthless from top to bottom. The roster is littered with experience at the highest levels whether for club or country. The midfield has gotten younger (and arguably more talented) with Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) emerging. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are top talents. Then, when adding veterans Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi, it would be shocking for Argentina not to make — at the very least — the semifinals.
