Copa America group-stage draw reaction, predictions, keys, more

The stage is now formally set for the 2024 Copa America! Following Thursday’s draw for the group stage, subsequent summer time’s 16 members (two of which have but to be decided) can start their preparation for the highly-anticipated CONMEBOL event that will likely be hosted within the United States.

Seeking back-to-back Copa America trophies, World Cup-winners Argentina got a reasonably easy path via the group stage, however in a attainable knockout state of affairs, Lionel Messi and Co. may run into obstacles in opposition to Mexico or Ecuador.

As for 2021 finalists Brazil, they will face the troublesome job of Colombia’s roster (who defeated them final month) and searching forward, there’s potential knockout spherical battles in opposition to darkish horses like Uruguay or the U.S. that will likely be harmful underdogs. Let’s not overlook the same old huge fish within the Concacaf-sized pond both. With loads of assist behind them within the stands, each the U.S. and Mexico could have attractive alternatives to shine in 2024.

There’s lots to dive into after Thursday’s draw, and with a majority of groups now in place for the event, ESPN’s Tim Vickery and Cesar Hernandez have supplied their speedy evaluation of the group stage draw for the Copa America.

Note: The Concacaf area was given six invitations for the event. The U.S., Mexico, Jamaica and Panama all secured their spots as semifinalists of the 2023-24 Nations League. The two remaining Concacaf invites will likely be given to the winners of single-leg playoff matches (Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica vs. Honduras) on March 23.

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GROUP A

Argentina, Peru, Chile, Playoff Winner of Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago

The draw may hardly have been kinder to the present World and Copa champions Argentina. Peru — only one objective in six World Cup qualifiers — look by far the weakest of the groups in pot two, and Chile have proved completely unable to switch the era that gained the earlier enlarged model of the Copa in 2016. If Canada make it via it will likely be fascinating to see how they’ve progressed since displaying some fascinating moments within the Qatar World Cup.

True, Argentina realized the arduous means in opposition to Saudi Arabia final yr that nothing could be taken as a right in event soccer, however this group seems to be arrange for them.

MUST-SEE MATCH: Peru vs. Chile

One of the large plusses of an enlarged Copa is that the group section is far more aggressive. Normally eight qualify from 12, however eight from sixteen provides important edge, which ought to be clearly on present within the opening spherical when Peru play Chile within the opening spherical.

There is loads of hostility between these two neighbours. There is never something pacific concerning the Pacific derby, and with these groups — on paper a minimum of — immediately competing to qualify along with Argentina, this ought to be tasty.

X FACTOR: End of an Argentine period?

For some, this Copa is a stepping stone on the best way in the direction of the 2026 World Cup. The present vibe popping out of Argentina is that the event may properly mark the tip of a wonderful period. Ángel Di María has already introduced that this will likely be his worldwide farewell. That may additionally apply to Lionel Messi, and coach Lionel Scaloni has hinted about stepping down. Catch them when you can!

PREDICTED FINISH: Argentina, Chile, Canada, Peru — Vickery

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GROUP B

Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica

Mexico will breathe a sigh of aid after the draw. Although Ecuador and Venezuela each have a good probability of upsetting the Concacaf Gold Cup champions, the truth is that they will not be practically as daunting of a problem for Mexico if Uruguay or Colombia have been as a substitute drawn in Ecuador’s place, or if the ghosts of 2016 returned with Chile of their group as a substitute of Venezuela.

Assuming El Tri do not dramatically implode, which might undoubtedly occur for the crew that was an enormous letdown in Qatar 2022, that then in all probability leaves a knockout spherical spot between Ecuador and Venezuela. Jamaica, regardless of impressing of their newest win over Canada, might not have sufficient for a prime two place.

MUST-SEE MATCH: Ecuador vs. Venezuela

A make-or-break second for the 2 CONMEBOL sides that can share the pitch of their group-opener. There’s little between the 2 nations that drew 0-0 again in October, and with the data that Venezuela get pleasure from closing out the group stage in opposition to Jamaica, Ecuador ought to search speedy factors from the get-go.

X FACTOR: El Tri’s residence crowd

Sure, the event will likely be hosted north of the border, however make no mistake, the most important crowds on the Copa America will likely be supporting the preferred soccer crew within the United States: Mexico. Often filling NFL-sized venues via friendlies, El Tri will frequently have their twelfth man sport in and sport out.

PREDICTED FINISH: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica — Hernandez

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GROUP C

United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia

This will not be a stroll within the park for the hosts. Despite the U.S. males’s nationwide crew with the ability to make the argument that they are the strongest crew in Concacaf, Uruguay may also make the declare of being essentially the most thrilling aspect in CONMEBOL in the meanwhile.

But what about Panama? They’ve solely misplaced as soon as of their final 13 video games and punched above their weight with a spot within the Gold Cup ultimate. As for Bolívia, a questionable run via World Cup qualifying would not bode properly for the Copa America.

MUST-SEE MATCH: Uruguay vs. Panama

If Panama need to showcase that they are official knockout spherical contenders, they will have a improbable probability to take action of their group opener in opposition to Uruguay. That mentioned, the identical may very well be mentioned for Marcelo Bielsa and his males that appear to be gaining an immense quantity of confidence.

X FACTOR: The USMNT’s golden era

Fans have been ready for the nation’s rising stars to lastly raise the USMNT and make an influence at an elite worldwide event. There’s little question that there is an immense quantity of up-and-coming expertise, however can it succeed at a excessive degree within the Copa America?

PREDICTED FINISH: Uruguay, United States, Panama, Bolivia — Hernandez

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GROUP D

Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Playoff Winner of Honduras vs. Costa Rica

Together with Mexico’s group this is likely to be the strongest quartet within the competitors. For all their present issues, Brazil are nonetheless Brazil. Colombia are unbeaten underneath coach Nestor Lorenzo and going properly. Paraguay will hope they will lastly get the Premier League duo of Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso firing collectively so as to add to their defensive resilience, and both of the Central American groups may cause issues. Costa Rica have acquired appreciable expertise through the years, and Honduras even eradicated Brazil in 2001.

MUST-SEE MATCH: Brazil vs. Colombia

If both aspect has dropped factors within the first two video games, then this ultimate spherical group sport may very well be very fascinating certainly, with the prospect of one of many groups making an early exit. Last month, Colombia deservedly gained their first ever World Cup qualifier in opposition to Brazil, and with the 5 occasions world champions in a state of some turmoil, Colombia followers will hope to roar them on to a different win.

X FACTOR: Brazil’s teaching state of affairs

At the second all the things is up within the air. This event, in idea, is ready to mark the beginning of the reign of Real Madrid supervisor Carlo Ancelotti in command of the Brazil crew. That in itself can be fascinating. But to date there is no such thing as a official affirmation that he’s coming — and the thought has run right into a complication.

The Ancelotti choice is the private venture of Ednaldo Rodrigues, the president of Brazil ‘s FA. But he’s at present dealing with a courtroom coup to drive him out. It is all a query mark, and after three consecutive defeats in World Cup qualification, Brazil have to get their act collectively.

PREDICTED FINISH: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica — Vickery