Top five favourites to win Copa America 2024

Argentina will look to defend their Copa America crown.

The Copa America, the oldest international continental soccer tournament, will take place in the United States. Since beginning in 1916, it has featured many of the top national teams and players from across America competing for the championship trophy.

At Copa America 2024, the focus will be on the traditional powerhouse nations vying for the regional title. Attention is particularly high on Argentina, who come in as defending World and Copa America champions. Can Lionel Messi and his teammates replicate their recent success even on U.S. soil?

Brazil will be a strong contender, looking to re-establish themselves as the dominant team in South America after some disappointing recent results. Uruguay, with its storied history, and Colombia’s emerging talented squad, also have ambitions of claiming the Copa America title.

As the host nation, the United States will aim to make a strong run in the tournament while playing in front of their home fans. An intriguing storyline is set to play out throughout the competition. Without much ado let’s look at the top five favourites to win the whole thing:

5. United States

USA are drawn in Group C with 15-time champion Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia.

As hosts, the United States will be eager to make a strong showing on home soil. The core players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah have gained valuable experience in recent years. However, questions remain about their ability to convert chances in big games. If they can find their scoring touch, the US could spring a surprise.

The likes of Florin Bolagun, Brenden Aaronson and Yunus Musah will bring an exciting blend of youth and dynamism to complement the experience of Tyler Adams and others. Building off their decent World Cup showing, the US will be determined to kick on and make a stronger impression on the Copa America stage. A deep run is certainly within their capabilities if they can maintain defensive solidity while taking their chances at the other end.

4. Colombia

Colombia are drawn in a very tough group D with five-time world champion Brazil and perennial threats like Costa Rica and Paraguay.

Colombia came into this Copa America tournament somewhat under the radar, which could work to their advantage. Under the guidance of the experienced Néstor Lorenzo, Los Cafeteros boasts a nice blend of established stars like Juan Cuadrado and Luis Díaz, along with promising youngsters.

Their form over the last two years has been imperious, going unbeaten for 20 games including impressive wins over top sides like Brazil and Germany. With no overwhelming weight of expectation on their shoulders, Colombia will quietly fancy their chances of making a deep run. If they can continue their recent momentum, added to their rich tradition in this competition with one title in 2001, they certainly have the quality to go all the way.

Also read: Copa America 2024: Start date, end date, telecast & more

3. Uruguay

Uruguay are drawn in Group C with USA, Panama and Bolivia.

Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay always pose a serious threat when it comes to major tournaments on the international stage. Under new head coach Marcelo Bielsa, La Celeste have moved away from an over-reliance on ageing veterans towards a more balanced team with a bright future.

Led by the lethal Liverpool goalscorer Darwin Núñez, ably supported by the likes of Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and the experienced Luis Suarez, Uruguay will back themselves to trouble any defence. Their battling spirit and pedigree as the most successful nation in Copa America history with 15 titles cannot be underestimated. With Bielsa seeming to have rejuvenated the squad, the nation will certainly fancy their chances of a record 16th continental triumph.

2. Brazil

Brazil are drawn in Group D with Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica.

For a nation of Brazil’s football pedigree, their long wait for a major trophy at senior level has become an increasing weight around their necks. Despite Neymar missing out, coach Dorival Júnior still has an enviable array of attacking talents to call upon.

The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Raphinha provide flair and goals, although questions persist about the defence that has proven fallible in recent years. Having fallen short too often, such as at the last two World Cups, the Selecao will be determined to re-establish itself as the pre-eminent force in South American football. An extremely motivated and talented squad will feel this is their chance to end the drought with this Copa America title.

1. Argentina

Argentina are drawn in group A with Canada, Chile and Peru.

As the defending champions of both the World Cup and Copa America, Argentina understandably enter this tournament as the favourites to retain their crown. Lionel Messi continues to shine as brightly as ever, leading a supremely talented squad ably supported by the likes of Julián Álvarez, Ángel Di María and Rodrigo De Paul.

Under Lionel Scaloni’s astute management, La Albiceleste have been in imperious form over the last 18 months, blending flair with steely defensive organization. With Messi showing no signs of slowing down at 36, Argentina will back themselves to follow up their long-awaited World Cup triumph by securing more glory.

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