International football fans will feel spoiled in 2024, as numerous major competitions are taking place.
The African Cup of Nations will take place over the course of January and February, but the summer will see the arrival of two other big tournaments.
While many may be interested in the UEFA European Championships taking place in Germany, some 7,800+km (4,800+ miles) away in the United States, the Copa America 2024 event will also be taking place at the same time.
The Copa America will see the top 16 teams from two confederations (CONMEBOL and CONCACAF) compete across 14 venues in the US as they try to become champions of that region.
The winner of the tournament will then take on the winner of the Euros in the Finalissima in 2025. Argentina were the last Copa America winners and were victorious in defeating Italy 3-0 in the last Finalissima that took place in 2022.
Who are the favorites for the 2024 Copa America?
Argentina are thought to be the current favorites to win this year’s edition of the quadrennial competition, with the bookies odds already favoring La Albiceleste. It is hardly a surprise, given the caliber of the players that they have at their disposal.
However, it is worth remembering that the current FIFA World Cup holders have continually fallen short in their pursuit of a major trophy over the last couple of decades.
Nonetheless, they appear to have been able to determine the winning formula when it comes to dominating international football, which is why they have perhaps been listed at a price of +150 with the trusted 32Red sport betting site. Brazil are said to be their closest challenger, with odds of +200, as they look to begin life under Dorival Junior as their new head coach.
Uruguay (+500), Colombia (+700), and the USA (+1,000) complete the list of the top five, with Ecuador (+1,100) and Mexico (+1,200) just slightly behind. The remainder of the 16 nations set to compete are considered even bigger outsiders.
Who are likely to be the six best players at Copa America 2024?
Like many international tournaments, there will be a ton of the world’s best players on show, doing what they can on the pitch to bring glory to their country.
Argentina is arguably the favorite because they have star players in every single position of their squad, with the goalkeeping department just as strong as the attacking areas of the team. They almost became the national team with the longest ever unbeaten run.
It is almost the same for Brazil, although that might be where the similarities in quality stop. However, that is not to say that there are national teams without star quality.
Uruguay have Luis Suárez, Darwin Nuñez, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Manuel Ugarte among many others, whereas Ecuador have Moisés Caicedo and special talent Kendry Páez.
Other countries involved each have their own quality footballers, making it a tournament worth watching.
If pushed on picking six players to watch in this year’s edition, it is perhaps worth keeping an eye on the following:
- Lionel Messi (last potential Copa America appearance)
- Luis Suarez (last possible Copa America)
- Julian Alvarez (continues to impress at club and country)
- Vinicius Jr (incredible talent)
- Neymar Jr (possible last Copa America – may still have more if he continues)
- Kendry Páez (youngster moving to Chelsea in 2025)
Copa America 2024 is to be littered with stars
The 2024 Copa America tournament is one that is undeniably going to be littered with stars, just as any major international tournament often is.
All 16 teams that will have qualified (two spots still remaining via the playoff round as part of the qualification process for CONCACAF nations) have talented individuals who are likely to take to the field.
It is a tournament that football fans will not want to miss, especially those who enjoy the quality that a major competition can provide.
We all know that friendlies and exhibition matches can often be dull affairs and not provide much in terms of entertainment.
Still, with something as big as this prestigious international trophy on the line, each game should be fiercely competitive. Who knows, perhaps we will be able to identify a new star and see them create a name for themselves once all is said and done!
