Excitement is brewing in the world of football (soccer) as the United States prepares to host the prestigious Copa America in 2024. This historic tournament, which typically features South American national teams, will see 16 nations battle it out for continental glory. A thrilling spectacle awaits, featuring familiar powerhouses and exciting newcomers.
A Tournament Steeped in Tradition: A Look Back at Copa America
The Copa America, also known as the South American Football Championship, boasts a rich history dating back to 1916. It is the oldest international continental football tournament in the world, even predating the European Championship by four years.
Traditionally, the tournament has been contested by the ten member nations of CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. However, recent editions have invited guest teams from other confederations to participate, introducing a new dimension to the competition.
The Copa America will take place outside of South America for the first time in its 2024 edition. The United States, a member of CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football), co-organizes the event, showcasing its commitment to the sport and its growing global influence in football.
The Road to Glory: Copa America 2024 Format and Schedule
Following a draw in December 2023, four groups of four will comprise the 16 participating teams. Each team will play three group-stage matches against their designated opponents. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, beginning with the quarterfinals.
Here’s a breakdown of the tournament format:
Group Stage (June 20–July 2):
We divided 16 teams into 4 groups (Groups A, B, C, and D).Each team plays three matches against their group opponents.The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
Knockout Stage (July 4–July 14):
- Quarterfinals: Winners of Groups A, B, C, and D play against runners-up from Groups B, A, D, and C, respectively.
- Semifinals: Winners of the quarterfinals advance.
- Final: The winners of the semifinals compete for the championship title.
Here are some additional resources for the schedule:
Teams to Watch: Contenders and Rising Stars
With Argentina as the defending champions, the pressure is on Lionel Messi and company to retain their title. However, several other teams will be vying for Copa America glory in 2024. Here’s a glimpse at some of the contenders:
Brazil: The five-time Copa America champions are a powerhouse with a deep talent pool. Neymar Jr. and Vinicius Jr. are just a few of the attacking stars to watch out for.
Uruguay: The two-time champions boast a strong defensive unit and a lethal counter-attacking style. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani remain formidable attacking duos.
Colombia is a team on the rise, with a young and talented squad. James Rodriguez and Duvan Zapata are key figures to watch.
United States: As the co-host nation, the United States will have a home advantage and a passionate crowd behind them. Watch out for Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
Beyond these established teams, some exciting newcomers will be looking to make their mark on the Copa America stage. Teams like Canada, which secured a playoff spot for the tournament, as well as guest invitees from Asia or Africa, could inject a fresh dose of energy into the competition.
Beyond the Game: Copa America’s Economic and Cultural Impact
We expect the 2024 Copa America to have a significant economic impact on the United States. Hosting the tournament will attract tourism, boost local businesses, and generate revenue for cities hosting matches. Additionally, the global exposure will further promote the sport in the United States and elsewhere.