Defending champion Argentina grouped with Chile; Brazil, Colombia in Group D
Memories of past clashes with Chile, especially the heartbreaking defeats in the 2015 and 2016 finals, loom large as Argentina prepares to renew its rivalry on June 25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni onstage during the Copa America final draw in Miami
MIAMI: Defending Champions Argentina is scheduled to play the 2024 Copa America opening match on June 20 in Atlanta against the winner of Canada-Trinidad and Tobago playoff, and US football team will play against Bolivia three days later at Arlington, Texas.
In the heart of North America, the stage is set for the 2024 Copa America, where the footballing giants of South America and a handful of North American challengers will converge to battle for continental supremacy. As the defending champions, Argentina, brace themselves for a title defence, the tournament promises a riveting spectacle with its unique blend of fierce competition, historical rivalries, and the allure of an expanded international footprint.
Memories of past clashes with Chile, especially the heartbreaking defeats in the 2015 and 2016 finals, loom large as Argentina prepares to renew its rivalry on June 25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They’ve beaten them twice in the finals, with Chile winning back-to-back titles at Argentina’s expense, including most recently on the U.S. soil.
Meanwhile, the United States, one of four North American teams to qualify through the Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League, kicks off their campaign against Bolivia in Arlington, Texas, on June 23. The draw has fatefully pitted them against Panama in Atlanta on June 27 and Uruguay in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 1, promising high-stakes encounters that could shape the tournament’s narrative.
Group dynamics will be a key factor in determining the quarterfinalists, with each group comprising formidable contenders. Group A, featuring Argentina, Peru, Chile, and the winner of the Canada-Trinidad and Tobago playoff, sets the stage for intense battles. In Group B, Mexico faces tough competition from Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica, promising a thrilling spectacle.
Group C sees the United States navigating through challenges posed by Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia, while Group D showcases the footballing prowess of Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and the winner of the Costa Rica-Honduras playoffs. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for knockout drama and intense battles for a spot in the coveted final.
Brazil will look to extend its legacy with nine titles to their name. Still, Argentina, fuelled by their 2021 Copa America triumph, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, and Uruguay, with their storied history, are determined to halt Brazil’s dominance.