Copa América draw: USMNT to face Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia

The draw for subsequent summer season’s Copa America has positioned the event host United States in a gaggle with the competitors’s joint all-time champion Uruguay, whereas fellow Concacaf invitee Mexico will face Ecuador.

Current titleholder and defending champion Argentina — tied with Uruguay for essentially the most Copa titles of all time — is ready for a conflict towards two-time winner Peru within the group stage, and within the fourth group, nine-time winner Brazil will tackle 2021 third-place finisher Colombia.

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CONMEBOL’s Copa America can have 16 groups, together with six Concacaf invitees: 2023-24 Nations League semifinalist Mexico, the U.S., Jamaica and Panama, in addition to the 2 winners of play-in video games (Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica vs. Honduras) that might be held March 23.

Alongside the U.S. in its begin to the competitors in Group C are Uruguay, Panama and Bolívia. Uruguay was the highest-ranked unseeded crew the U.S. may face within the first spherical.

The Copa América teams are set for subsequent summer season‼️

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“If there’s not pressure, you don’t get diamonds,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter mentioned.

The high two groups in every group transfer on to the quarterfinals. If the U.S. advances, it would meet Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica or Honduras. By successful its group, the U.S. may keep away from a quarterfinal towards the Brazilians.

“You know what’s lurking around the corner in Group D, most likely, so you want to try to finish first,” Berhalter mentioned. “Brazil is one of the favorites to win the tournament, so it’s going to be a real challenge in that next round, so you’d like to play them in the semifinals.”

With a home-field benefit and a roster stuffed with promising younger gamers, the host will goal to construct off its top-four end within the 2016 version of the event that was performed on U.S. soil for the primary time. Chile beat Argentina on penalty kicks within the 2016 closing following a 0-0 draw.

In Group B, Mexico is joined by Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica.

Struggling in its previous three event invites and failing to present a run previous the quarterfinal stage, Mexico, which gained the 2023 Gold Cup, will look to flip its fortunes round after a shocking 7-0 loss to Chile in its most up-to-date Copa America look in 2016.

“A well-balanced group,” Mexico’s Jaime Lozano mentioned to the nationwide crew’s social media channels concerning the Group B draw. “I think that all the opponents are in a good moment. Jamaica entered the [Concacaf Nations League] final four, they’ve done things really well and were also in the semifinals of the Gold Cup. Then Ecuador and Venezuela, they’re also teams that, respectively, in World Cup qualifying, they’re also in a good position.”

World Cup champions Argentina kicks off its event run towards Group A opponents Peru, Chile, and the winner of Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago.

But Argentina supervisor Lionel Scaloni, who has not too long ago hinted about stepping down, didn’t verify his presence in subsequent yr’s event.

“I’m here because I’m the coach,” Scaloni mentioned when requested by TyC Sports if he’ll nonetheless be in cost on the Copa America. “I said after the game with Brazil [for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers] that it’s a personal moment to think and I’m still in that moment of thinking.”

Brazil, joined in Group D by Colombia, Paraguay and the winner of Costa Rica vs. Honduras, will search to bounce again after a latest run of worrisome World Cup qualifying matches and a second-place end as hosts of the 2021 Copa America.

The Copa America contains a gaggle stage that runs from June 20 to July 2, quarterfinals July 4-6, semifinals July 9-10, a third-place match July 13 and the ultimate July 14.

Earlier this week, the 14 U.S. venues that may host Copa America matches have been formally unveiled. The semifinals will happen at MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey) and Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina), whereas Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida) will host the ultimate.

Seven of the Copa América stadiums are among the many 11 U.S. websites to be used for the 2026 World Cup: Arlington; Atlanta; East Rutherford; Houston; Inglewood; Kansas City, Missouri; and Santa Clara.

The opening recreation might be June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta between Argentina and the winner of Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago.

In the earlier Copa America in 2021, Argentina defeated event host Brazil 1-0 within the closing.

Copa America 2024 draw

Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, winner of Canada vs. Trinidad and Tobago

Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica

Group C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia

Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, winner of Costa Rica vs. Honduras