Copa America is back with more excitement in store. For the first time in history, 16 teams are taking part in the tournament. The presence of giants like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil adds glitz to the marquee event. Meanwhile, some exciting teams like Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela can challenge any team on their day.
Argentina are the defending champions and are looking good to defend their title. Their biggest challenge will be the likes of Uruguay and Brazil. There are chances of some big upsets in the tournament given the number of participants. There could also be some surprise early exits and the tournament is expected to be full of twists and turns. With the tournament off to a promising start, it's time to give predictions for Copa America 2024.
Also Read: Copa America 2024: Venezuela wins Group B opening game against Ecuador
Copa America 2024 Group Stage Winners
The group division for the tournament is as follows -
Group A
Peru, Canada, Chile, Argentina
Group B
Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Jamaica
Group C
USMNT, Uruguay, Bolivia, Panama
Group D
Brazil, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Colombia
From Group A, Argentina are the favourites to surge ahead in the tournament. They are nearly certain to play not just in the quarterfinals, but also make it to the semifinal, and eventually win the tournament. With them, Peru is likely to progress to the quarterfinal. They have improved a lot as a side and could beat Chile and Canada.
From Group B, Mexico are likely to top the table. They have the better team on paper and have the experience of beating big teams over the years. Venezuela seems to be emerging as the dark horse from the group, having defeated Ecuador in the group stage.
From Group C, Uruguay and USNMT are likely to progress further. There has been a massive improvement in the way USNMT has played over the last few years. They could well challenge the top teams like Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Uruguay are likely to top the group and comfortably progress to the quarterfinals.
From Group D, Brazil are likely to surge ahead being the toppers. The challenge for the second spot could be tough. But Colombia should be able to outclass their other opponents like Costa Rica and Paraguay. They have some quality players in their lineup and must be able to dominate the group and progress without losing a game.
Copa America 2024 Knockout stage predictions
Argentina could face Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Given the exceptional team they have, Argentina should be able to make it to the semis. They could well do without breaking a sweat. Mexico could be against Peru in the quarterfinal. It might be a close fight, but Mexico should be able to make it to the semifinals.
Uruguay may face Colombia in the quarterfinal. Given the might of the inaugural World Cup winners, they have a good chance of beating Colombia. USNMT may compete against Brazil. The record World Cup winners should overcome USNMT in the contest. All the top three teams are likely to be in the semifinal.
Coming to the semifinal, Brazil may face Uruguay. It could be the match of the tournament, given the strength of both teams. In a close encounter, Brazil could overcome Uruguay to reach the finals. Argentina could be up against Mexico in the last four. The defending champions are likely to overcome the challenge of Mexico.
In the third-place match, Uruguay could be the favourite to beat Mexico. It could be a close match and a penalty shootout could decide the fate of the match. Ultimately, Argentina may battle it out against Brazil in the final and the former is likely to emerge victorious. Given the exceptional set of players, La Albiceleste must be able to become the champions for the second time in a row.
Copa America 2024 Odds: Tournament winner
Argentina: +190
Brazil: +250
Uruguay: +400
Mexico: +500
Colombia: +700
USMNT: +720
Venezuela: +800
Peru: +800
Paraguay: +5000
Chile: +5000
Canada: +5000
Costa Rica: +6600
Venezuela: +10000
Bolivia: +15000
Panama: +25000
Jamaica: +25000
Copa America 2024 Top Scorer Prediction
- Lionel Messi
- Vinicius Jr
- Darwin Nunez
Copa America 2024 Player of the Tournament prediction
- Lionel Messi
- Julian Alvarez
- Vinicius Jr
Copa America 2024 Team of the Tournament prediction
Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Eder Militao, Jose Maria Gimenez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Edson Alvarez, Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior, Darwin Nunez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez