As Euro 2024 captivated Europe, the Americas were gearing up for a thrilling event — the 2024 Copa America, hosted in the United States. Lionel Messi came back to help Argentina defend their 2021 title, and they successfully did so, confirming their champion status. While Mexico hoped to bounce back to top form. Check out all the thrilling Copa America brackets and dates, as well as standout players in in this Copa 2024 guide.
Copa America 2024 Overview
Copa America is similar to the World Cup but only includes teams from North and South America and the Caribbean. The teams are split into groups of 4 and play each other. The top 2 teams from each group advance to the knockout stages, where it’s win or go home until a champion is crowned in the final match.
Importance of the Tournament in the Football Calendar
Teams compete not just for the continental title but also to prepare for bigger tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. For players, it’s a chance to shine on the global stage and catch the eye of top European clubs.
Must-See Copa America Matches
The 2024 tournament started on Thursday, June 20, and ended with the 2024 Copa America final match on Sunday, July 14. These were the groups:
Group A:
Group B:
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- Ecuador
- Venezuela
Group C:
Group D:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Paraguay
Key Opening Matches Copa America 2024
In the Copa América 2024 group stage, 10 teams and 6 guests competed, all wanting to dethrone Argentina, the 2021 champions. The action started Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT, with Argentina playing against Canada (2-0).
Rivalries Matches to Watch at Copa America 2024
Historic rivalries fuel Copa America, sparking intense and unforgettable stage games. Just check out some of the Copa America 2024 historic rivalries:
Brazil vs. Argentina
This legendary rivalry is more than a copa game – it’s all about supremacy. An unforgettable clash was the 2004 final in Peru. Brazil went ahead with Adriano’s stunning goal, Argentina tied with Roberto Ayala’s penalty. Cesar Delgado put Argentina in the lead in the 87th minute, but Adriano’s injury-time equalizer took the match to penalties. Brazil won 4-2.
Uruguay vs. Brazil
A historic rivalry, highlighted by the 1983 final played in two legs. Uruguay won the first leg 2-0 in Montevideo. The second leg in Rio de Janeiro saw Brazil struggle against Uruguay’s strong defense, ending 1-1, giving Uruguay the title.
Argentina vs. Uruguay
As the oldest international football rivalry, starting in 1916, a significant clash was the 2011 quarterfinals in Santa Fe. The game tied 1-1 with goals by Diego Perez and Gonzalo Higuain. It went to penalties, and…