The 48th edition of the Copa America, the prestigious South American men’s international football championship, is underway in the United States! This year’s tournament boasts a unique twist, being co-organized by CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football).
Get ready for a month of electrifying football as ten national teams battle it out for continental glory. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the Copa America 2024:
Table of Contents
Host Country and Key Dates:
The United States takes center stage for the 2024 Copa America, marking the second time the nation hosts the tournament after the successful Copa América Centenario in 2016. The action kicks off on June 20th, 2024, and culminates in the much-anticipated final on July 14th, 2024. The winner will have bragging rights as continental champion and the honor of facing the winner of Euro 2024 in the 2025 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions.
Participating Teams:
This year’s Copa America features the ten CONMEBOL member nations: Argentina (defending champions), Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Additionally, six teams from CONCACAF have been invited to participate, making for a truly international competition. These guest teams are Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, the United States, and the winner of a qualifying playoff between Honduras and El Salvador.
Group Stage:
The 16 teams are divided into four groups (Groups A, B, C, and D) for the group stage. Each team plays every other team in their group once, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The official group draw will determine the specific matchups, which are highly anticipated by fans eager to see which teams will clash in the early stages.
Key Dates
The tournament will kick off on June 20, 2024, with the opening match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, featuring defending champions Argentina against Canada. The final is scheduled for July 14, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida (Sporting News) (Copa America) (Copa America).
Group Stage: June 20 – July 2
Quarterfinals: July 4 – 6
Semifinals: July 9 – 10
Third Place Match: July 13
Final: July 14
Venues:
The beautiful game will be showcased across 14 stadiums in 10 different states throughout the USA. The opening match will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, while the grand finale will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Both venues were announced in November 2023, with the remaining stadiums confirmed in December. Football fans across the country can expect a vibrant atmosphere in these state-of-the-art sporting arenas.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the confirmed venues:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
- AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
- Q2 Stadium (Austin, Texas)
- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Fan Buzz and Expectations:
The co-hosting of the Copa America by CONMEBOL and CONCACAF has generated significant excitement. This unique format allows for a clash between South American powerhouses and rising stars from North and Central America. The inclusion of the United States as a host nation is expected to draw in a massive crowd, with passionate fans eager to witness world-class football on home soil.
For Argentina, the defending champions, the focus is on retaining their title. Brazil, with their rich history and talented squad, will undoubtedly be strong contenders. Other teams like Colombia, Uruguay, and Mexico will be aiming to cause upsets and make a deep run in the tournament.
A Month of Football Extravaganza:
The 2024 Copa America promises to be a month-long football extravaganza. With a blend of South American flair and North American enthusiasm, the tournament is set to be a spectacle for fans worldwide. Mark your calendars, choose your favorite team, and get ready to witness some of the best footballing talent battle it out for continental glory!
