While Euro 2024 will surely be at the forefront this month, 2024 Copa America is also taking place. This is a prestigious tournament that has typically featured just South American countries, but it’s now expanded to CONCACAF. The United States, who are the hosts, will be joined by Costa Rica, Canada, Panama, Jamaica, and Mexico in the event. In total, there are 16 teams set to compete for the ultimate prize. Title-holders Argentina (+185) is the favorite which is no surprise, but Brazil is also expected to be strong at +230. Uruguay (+500), Colombia (+800), USA (+1200), and Mexico (+1600) are a few other contenders. Continue reading for the 2024 Copa America picks.
As previously mentioned, Lionel Messi led Argentina to their record 15th title back in 2021 in the tournament. Uruguay has also won Copa America on 15 occasions, while Brazil has nine titles to their name.
Argentina (+185)
The Argentines have had quite an impressive last couple of years. Their Copa America triumph in 2021 was followed by a World Cup title in 2022 in Qatar, beating Kylian Mbappe and France in the showpiece. The same squad essentially remains for this upcoming tournament. Messi is in the midst of a wonderful season at Inter Miami and he’ll undoubtedly be the center of attention for La Albiceleste. He has no shortage of help in the attack as well in Man City’s Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez. All over the pitch, there is talent. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Enzo Fernandez were all important in Qatar and will be again. Argentina is in a simple Group A and should finish in top spot. They play Canada in their first game.
Brazil (+230)
The Brazilians are one of the powerhouses of international football but they always tend to fail to live up to expectations when it matters most. They were beaten in the last Copa America final by Argentina and also bowed out in the World Cup in the quarterfinals in shocking fashion against Croatia. While there will be no Neymar for Selecao, they do have a lot of quality. Endrick, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Allison, and Douglas Luiz, among others, are in Dorivar Junior’s squad. They have landed in a group with Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Colombia. The latter could be a tough test, but Brazil should be in the mix to finish in first place heading into the knockout rounds.
Uruguay (+450)
While Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani may not be fixtures for Uruguay anymore, they’re still a very good team. Cavani was left out of the squad while Suarez made it. Rodrigo Bentacur, Darwin Nunez, Federico Valverde, Jose Gimenez, and Ronald Araujo are players to watch for the Uruguayans, who are one of the most successful Copa America countries. However, they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2011. The United States will be their toughest test in Group A. Bolivia and Panama are nations that Uruguay should comfortably beat. Suarez probably won’t play another major tournament but stands as the all-time leading scorer for the country with 68 goals.
Colombia (+750)
The Colombians aren’t defined by James Rodriguez anymore. Instead, it’s Liverpool winger Luis Diaz who will be their most important player. He’s extremely creative in the final third and has already scored some phenomenal goals for the national team. The expectations aren’t particularly high for Colombia heading into the tournament but they could give Brazil a run for their money in the group. They’re also the only undefeated team through World Cup Qualifying so far, which is a positive sign. On the other hand, Colombia was absent in the last World Cup.
USA (+1200)
The Americans will be hoping to seize the opportunity that this tournament is on home soil. They’ve really proven to be an exciting team over the last few years with many good players across Europe. Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie are several key guys for Gregg Berhalter. This is probably the most exciting USMNTs in years, so fans are expecting big things out of them in the Copa America. We’ll see if the States can live up to the hype.
2024 Copa America Picks
I do think Argentina has what it takes to repeat. Brazil is missing a few players and the holders are very, very strong. Messi will lift another major trophy.
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Quinn Allen is a journalist who specializes in writing sports betting previews. He holds a senior editor position at ClutchPoints. He has been contributing to Vegas Betting as a writer since 2022.