The second of two international football tournaments starts tomorrow. CONMEBOL’s 2024 Copa America takes place in North America from June 20th to July 15th. Due to the smaller number of countries in the western hemisphere, there are four groups of four teams each. They will compete for as many points as possible to advance to the second round. A win results in three points, ties earn one, and zero for losses. Only two teams in each group move on to the round of 8. Here are the predictions for which teams in groups A through D have the best chances to make round two.
Group A: Argentina, Chile
Almost everyone agrees the reigning World Cup champions will advance. Renowned scoring forward Lionel Messi is a menace to his regional opponents and many saw how La Albiceleste’s roster improved almost two years ago. Midfield depth will be hard to contain for the other three teams.
It’s hard to choose the second best team. Canada has a good offense, but the defense remains a liability. Argentina and Chile’s veterans will often test these weaknesses. While Peru has a solid defense, the offense hasn’t faced a championship caliber defense. This leaves La Roja as the best choice. Chile has a good mix of veterans and young talent on every side of the ball. They gave France fits, barely losing 3-2 earlier in the year. This shows they can still hold up against the world’s best teams. It would be wise for La Roja to create better team chemistry with the younger depth players, give the aging veterans one last chance for a deep tournament run, and try different methods of putting pressure on opposing defenses before the 2026 World Cup.
Group B: Ecuador, Mexico
The easiest group to predict. Many witnessed Ecuador’s continued improvement in the 2022 World Cup as La Tricolor had a long shutout streak leading up to and in Qatar. Ecuador may have three forwards on the roster, but the defense is one of the world’s best. Surprisingly their biggest tests were against current UEFA champion Italy and World Cup champion Argentina. La Tricolor gave up a total of three goals versus both.
Mexico stands out as the other favorite for round two. Despite critical analysis on El Tri’s roster construction, they soundly shutout Jamaica 3-0 heading into the tournament and Venezuela’s easily the worst team of the group. Mexico could struggle after the first round due to its player development pipeline being at its lowest point in decades, but coach Jaime “Jimmy” Lozano should get enough solid performances out of this team.
Group C: Uruguay, Panama
A fun three team race in group C makes this one second best. Bolivia might be worse than Venezuela, so Panama, Uruguay and the U.S. will be the highlighted teams.
Uruguay’s top-scoring forward Luis Suarez could be in his last Copa America tournament. While striker Edinson Cavani and midfielder Matias Vecino retired not even a month ago, 22 year old forward Facundo Pallistri is providing La Celeste with a refreshing offensive presence. Uruguay’s also revamped the roster since their 2022 World Cup exit.
The second choice will be close. Panama and the U.S. went to a shootout last July with the former getting a much-needed win. It’s been a year since Los Canaleros’ victory, but the Americans shouldn’t worry much about performance since they’re both hosting the World Cup and they’re one of six add-on teams in Copa America. The U.S. should use this tournament as a litmus test to analyze team chemistry and what to improve on before 2026.
Group D: Brazil, Colombia
The best and most entertaining group. Between potent offenses and veteran rosters, it’s almost unfair two teams will be eliminated.
Despite legendary midfielder Ronaldinho going off on the Brazilian team for, “a lack of love for the shirt and grit”, Brazil’s one of the favorites to make the finals. The Selecao Canarinha will be tested early by Costa Rica, which wants redemption for their nosedive in Qatar. Every match will be hard no matter the opponent. Defenders Danilo and Wendell, and forwards Raphinha and Pepe Aquino need to step up in round one.
Costa Rica doesn’t have enough offense to keep any of their matches close. Paraguay is the opposite where offense is a strength, but the defense gives up a lot of rush chances leading to easy goals. This leaves Colombia, a dangerously well-rounded team. Los Cafeteros shut out Spain in March and throttled the U.S. almost two weeks ago. Colombia’s scoring depth and shutdown defense make them an attractive choice in the final four.
JD's Sportscorner 
I’m looking forward to these games. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people