Copa America futures: Argentina favored to win 2024 tournament

The 2024 Copa America begins on June 20th and we have a slightly different format than in years past. There are 16 teams in total scattered across four groups, with several countries from CONCACAF including Canada, USA, and Jamaica. In fact, the tournament is taking place in the States, so the Americans will see that as an advantage in their Copa America debut. But, the South American nations remain the favorites, with Argentina leading the pack after winning the last edition just before they also lifted the World Cup in Qatar. Below, we’ll discuss a handful of contenders for the tournament.

Argentina

With +175 odds at BetVictor, Argentina is a deserving favorite. They essentially have the same squad from their World Cup triumph, led by Messi. The Inter Miami star leads the attack and will be accompanied by the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, two fantastic players in their own right. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez were key cogs in Qatar in the middle of the pitch, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who both play in the Premier League, remain mainstays at the back. La Albiceleste kicks off action on June 20th against debutants Canada. They should breeze through Group A with no issues.

Brazil

The Brazilians are always seen as a contender in every tournament they participate in, yet Selecao typically fail to live up to expectations. Dorival Junior’s side lost in the last Copa America final to Argentina and was knocked out of the World Cup by Qatar in shocking fashion in the quarterfinals. Regardless, this is still a squad full of wonderful talent such as Allison, Douglas Luiz, Ederson, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Endrick. Brazil is in Group D with Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. They have the second-best Copa America odds at most soccer betting sites.

Uruguay

Uruguay might not be led by Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez anymore, but they’re still a solid team. They’ve actually won the Copa America 16 times, which is more than Argentina and Brazil. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez will lead the line in the US, while Rodrigo Bentacur and Federico Valverde will be absolutely vital in the engine room for the Uruguayans. Bentacur plays for Tottenham, while Valverde has emerged into a star at Real Madrid. Suarez and Cavani could make the squad, but it’s unlikely they see a lot of minutes.

Colombia

When people used to think about Colombia, James Rodriguez was the first name that came to mind. Now, it’s Luis Diaz, who has been a savior to the national team. The Liverpool winger is an exhilarating player who can score goals in every way imaginable. He’ll be the X-factor for Colombia in Group D alongside Brazil. Yerry Mina, Jhoan Duran, and David Ospina are others to watch for the Colombians.

USA

The Americans cannot be underestimated. Not only is the tournament on home soil but this is a group with boatloads of talent playing across Europe’s top five leagues. Christian Pulisic is coming off a great season at AC Milan, Weston McKennie is a regular for Juventus, Timothy Weah was also important to Juve in 2023-24, and Tyler Adams was just playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League. That’s just a few names, too. There is more players in Europe plus some great talent in the MLS as well. The United States showed promise in the World Cup and will be motivated to showcase their stuff in the Copa America.

Mexico

Mexico isn’t the same powerhouse of the past. In fact, there isn’t even a ton of recognizable names anymore in the squad. The ones that will stand out to fans are Edson Alvarez, Santiago Gimenez, and Jorge Sanchez. Group B isn’t the most difficult however, playing alongside Jamaica, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The Mexicans should make the knockout stages.