Top three dark horses for Copa America 2024

These sides have the potential to go far in the competition.

With the thrill and frill of Copa America 2024 heating up, every fan’s potential winner is almost out of the hat.

While the tournament juggernauts in the form of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay with their star-studded squads are going to be the usual suspects for the coveted trophy, there are also some exciting teams partaking in this edition that could potentially serve as the dark horses.

Here are the top three dark horses to keep a close eye on in the Copa America 2024:

3. Venezuela

This pick might be an out-of-the-box choice for Copa America that may surprise some, but Venezuela have been quietly improving in the background amidst all the media chatter. Lately, they have switched to a more defensive setup, making them an incredibly tough team to break down. This approach has proved to be fruitful, leading to more success in qualifying. 

Due to their robust and watertight gameplan structure, Venezuela only conceded three goals in six 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, pulling off some incredible wins against Paraguay and Chile in the process.

While they might lack the star power of other big teams, their organised low-block setup coupled with explosive winger Darwin Machis on his A-game could really prove to be an X factor. This could help them edge past superior opposition. Venezuela are placed in Group B of Copa America 2024 alongside Mexico, Ecuador and Jamaica.

Also read: Top four players at Copa America 2024 born after Lionel Messi made his Argentina debut

2. Canada

With this being their inaugural Copa America appearance, Canada as a unit have everything to play for and nothing to lose. A talented young squad under the mentorship of American coach Jesse Marsch should not be underestimated in this tournament.

A coach who demands his team play on the front foot with positivity and aggression could well and truly result in Canada punching above its weight in this Copa America campaign.

They topped their World Cup qualifying group in CONCACAF, even beating powerhouses like Mexico and the USA during their run. Most recently, they also held 2022 World Cup finalists France to a scoreless draw in a friendly matchup gearing up for the tournament. 

With a young captain like Alphonso Davies at the helm and a group of talented stars like Jonathan David leading the charge, Canada have a potent attacking setup that can cause trouble even to the best around. Hard work, togetherness, and a growing sense of belief can really push this talented Canada squad to achieve unbelievable things in this tournament.

Their biggest challenge, however, will be facing a tough group stage with them being placed in Group A with the likes of Argentina, Chile and Peru. If they can get out of it, they could prove to be dangerous.

1. Colombia

While not quite the underdogs they once were, Colombia are definitely on the right track as a footballing nation to compete with the very best teams around. Not quite on the same level as the usual favourites yet, Colombia are currently riding a 22-match unbeaten streak, including a dominant 5-1 victory over the United States recently.

Their squad boasts established stars like Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, who is in good form coming into this tournament and the experienced James Rodriguez, who always steps up on the grandest of occasions. Alongside them are exciting upcoming talents like Jhon Duran and Luis Sinisterra, who can serve as potential game-changers during close contests. 

Their team spirit and tactical flexibility under coach Reinaldo Rueda have made them such a strong unit, serving as a major threat to any opponent. Colombia are placed in Group D of Copa America 2024 alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Paraguay.

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