Copa América 2024: Expert Predictions
Ben's Picks:
Group A: Argentina winner, Chile 2nd
Group B: Ecuador winner, Mexico 2nd
Group C: Uruguay winner, United States 2nd
Group D: Brazil winner, Colombia 2nd
Quarterfinals: Argentina over Mexico, Chile over Ecuador, Uruguay over Colombia, Brazil over United States
Semi-finals: Argentina over Chile, Uruguay over Brazil​
Finals: Uruguay over Argentina​
Not many surprises here in the group stage, with Chile finishing above Peru in Group A as the only “upset” of the tournament’s opening round. There are no groups of death here; odds are that all of the tournament’s top teams make it through at the very least to the quarterfinals. That’s where quality sides begin to bow out, though: a Colombian side with one of the world’s top defenses will be disappointed with a defeat to Bielsa’s Uruguay, while USMNT fans shouldn’t be surprised by a loss to Brazil but will certainly rue a missed opportunity to finish first in the group and earn an easier path to the later knockout rounds. Argentina and Chile each take care of business against Mexico and Ecuador, respectively, as the two teams from the weakest group of the tournament each depart before the semis. The real clashes of titans begin here: Argentina avenges the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals with enough attacking talent to break through against Chile and win in regular time, while Uruguay’s miracle run continues with their second victory in as many matches over a talented but disorganized Brazilian side. An Uruguay-Argentina final is almost guaranteed to be a high-scoring affair, but the rejuvenated “La Celeste” continue their upward trajectory as their frenetic pressure proves too much for an older Argentina side. Darwin Núñez is the hero for his country, scoring twice in a free-flowing 3-2 final as Marcelo Bielsa adds yet another title to his storied international résumé and “La Celeste” take home their sixteenth Copa América — more than any other CONMEBOL side.​​
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James's Picks:​
Group A: Argentina winner, Canada 2nd
Group B: Ecuador winner, Mexico 2nd
Group C: United States winner, Uruguay 2nd
Group D: Brazil winner, Paraguay 2nd
Quarterfinals: Argentina over Mexico, Canada over Ecuador, United States over Paraguay, Brazil over Uruguay
Semi-finals: Argentina over Canada, Brazil over United States
Finals: Brazil over Argentina​
CONMEBOL teams will dominate this Copa América. In the group stage, I predict that a CONMEBOL team will win every group except for Group C. I think that the United States is going to finally have everything click and get a draw against Uruguay and win their other two games in the group stage. This tournament will be a wakeup call to everyone that the United States is a force not to be reckoned with and has developed talent that can compete with the elite teams in the world. As a result, I have the United States going on to beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals and ultimately falling to Brazil in a close semi-final match. I think Canada could be the dark horse team of the tournament with the form of Jonathan David and also no team in which David and Alphonso Davies should be written off. However, I predict a second-place finish in the group due to Argentina and then a surprise win over Ecuador in the quarter-final, and having their tournament end with a loss to Argentina in the semi-final. I think that Paraguay is going to surprisingly get through to the knockout stage after a poor offensive performance from Columbia, whose fans will be missing the era of prime James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao. In Columbia’s group, I predict that Ecuador wins and Mexico finishes as runner-up in the group.​Brazil is going to be the team to beat in this tournament. The depth of the team is unmatched. I believe they coast through the group stage and then get wins in the knockout stage against Uruguay, which could be a match of the tournament, then the United States, and finally Argentina in order to be crowned champions.
Avery's Picks:​
Group A: Argentina winner, Chile 2nd
Group B: Mexico winner, Ecuador 2nd
Group C: United States winner, Uruguay 2nd
Group D: Brazil winner, Colombia 2nd
Quarterfinals: Argentina over Ecuador, Mexico over Chile, Colombia over United States, Brazil over Uruguay
Semi-finals: Argentina over Mexico, Brazil over Colombia
Finals: Argentina over Brazil
Argentina has solidified themselves as a highly dominant team, ready to win again and again. I think that they are being underestimated in Copa América 2024 because it is difficult to win multiple major tournaments consecutively. However, I believe their passion and experience as a team will help them excel and execute in Copa. Despite Brazil lacking Neymar in this tournament, I think they will have a strong showing giving Argentina a run for their money. Brazilian soccer culture is much greater than just their skill, and I think that their fans and the overall environment will help them get back on track as a powerful contender. There will be a large amount of hype around the United States this year, and the home field advantage will likely provide them with the momentum they need to get past Group C. However, the talent amongst all of the teams I believe will prove to be too much for the United States to get near a title this year. Overall, these games promise to be exciting, unpredictable and talked about for years to come.
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Ian's Picks
Group A: 1st: Argentina 2nd: Peru
Group B: 1st: Ecuador 2nd: Mexico
Group C: 1st: Uruguay 2nd: USA
Group D: 1st: Colombia 2nd: Brazil
Quarter-Finals: Argentina over Mexico, Ecuador over Peru, Uruguay over Brazil, USA over Colombia.
Semi-Finals: Argentina over Ecuador, Uruguay over USA
Finals: Argentina over Uruguay
With the 2024 Copa América taking place outside the South American continent, the unpredictability of the tournament will be elevated. Although all powerhouse nations should advance out of their groups, I predict a few notable results which will highlight the unique nature of this year’s tournament. I believe that an aging Chilean national team will disappoint against Canada and Argentina, opening the door for Peru to steal a second place finish. Although the presence of Mexico supporters will be enough to get them to the quarterfinals, Ecuador is simply the better side and will win the group. Uruguay is easily the best team in Group C, while the United States should be able to handle both Bolivia and Panama. While Brazil certainly have the talent to top their group, I believe that the recent loss of star player Neymar will cause enough turmoil to allow Colombia to claim first place.
Moving out of the group stages, the difference in squad quality will become more apparent. Argentina is simply too talented and too experienced to fall to Mexico, even in a sea of “El Tri” supporters. Ecuador should take care of business against Peru if they can continue to play at the same level they’ve shown in World Cup qualifying. An early heavyweight matchup between Uruguay and Brazil will see the more consistent Uruguayan side through to the semis. The young talent of the United States will rally behind their home fans, claiming their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Colombia.
The semi-finals are where the magic will run dry for the USMNT, as Uruguay are simply too talented and well-managed to lose to the inexperienced Americans. On the other side of the bracket, Argentina’s attack will be too much for Ecuador to handle, setting up an Argentina vs. Uruguay final. While I view this game to be essentially a toss-up, the presence of Lionel Messi tips the scales in favor of “La Albiceleste.”
Chelsea's Picks
Group A: Argentina winner, Chile 2nd;
Group B: Ecuador winner, Mexico 2nd;
Group C: Uruguay winner, United States 2nd;
Group D: Brazil winner, Colombia 2nd.
Quarter-finals: Argentina over Mexico, Chile over Ecuador, Uruguay over Colombia, Brazil over United States
Semi-finals: Argentina over Chile, Brazil over Uruguay
Finals: Argentina over Brazil
There is a lot of excitement surrounding this year’s Copa Cup as it will be played in the United States. While I expect to see a little bit of home field advantage, I do not think it will be enough for the US to make it to the semifinals. We will see strong competition from countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, and I expect them to rise to the top. Argentina is the reigning champion and will need to make sure they do not let that go to their heads if they want to remain champions. If they do that, I see them proceeding through the competition, while ultimately dominating Brazil’s strong but at times disorganized team. Although I would love to see some of the underdogs give the topdogs a run for their money, I think it is likely that we will see those who usually dominate continue to do so. I hold out hope that Ecuador will disrupt at least some of their competition, but I ultimately think they will fall short to Chile. No matter who emerges victorious, this tournament is sure to be the one-to-watch, and it is my hope that it will bring us together, regardless of who we have our hearts set on.