The 48th edition of the Copa America takes place this summer in the United States. Here are the contenders for the trophy.
Read my playoff preview, where I’ll cover everything from odds, favorites and dark horses for the trophy.
Check out the latest Copa America winner odds provided by the best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
Argentina are the reigning South American and world champions, so it’s no surprise to see them take the lead in the betting market. Lionel Messi is still going strong, albeit in Major League Soccer, and Lionel Scaloni can call on quality players all over the pitch.
There are doubts about Scaloni’s functionality, however, and it could prove to be a distraction during the tournament. Despite this, there is no doubt that Argentina are the team to beat in the Copa America.
Bet on Argentina to win in a row at 7/4 with bet365
Brazil disappointed at the 2022 World Cup and had a decidedly average start to the qualification process for the next edition. After six rounds of matches, the Selection occupies sixth place in the ranking.
Dorival Junior steadied the ship after replacing Fernando Diniz in the hot seat. Neymar is injured, so Vinicius Junior is set to take charge of this team on the pitch. Brazil has been poor over the past 18 months, but there are still some serious contenders.
Bet on Brazil at 9/4 with Sky Bet
No team in Copa America history has won the Copa America trophy more often than Uruguay, who have triumphed on 15 occasions (as have Argentina). Marcelo Bielsa has given the team a more proactive style of play since taking charge last year.
Luis Suarez is still active at 37, but younger players like Darwin Nunez, Fede Valverde and Ronald Araujo are the new stars of this team.
Bet on Uruguay at 6/1 with Coral
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Colombia have made a good start to qualifying for the World Cup in South America, remaining unbeaten in six matches so far. Nestor Lorenzo’s team will aim to be just as difficult to defeat in the United States this summer.
James Rodriguez is still around at 32, but Liverpool striker Luis Diaz is Colombia’s main striker these days. Unfortunately, Lorenzo’s men were drawn into the same group as Brazil.
Bet on Colombia at 12/1 with BetMGM
The United States is hosting the Copa America for the second time and the fact that they will play their matches in front of a friendly crowd is a bonus. There is real enthusiasm for a generation of young people including Gio Reyna, Ricardo Pepi, Yunus Musah and Tim Weah.
But even if the United States hopes to reach the semifinals, it might struggle to overcome one of the South American powers – and it might have to face Brazil in the quarters. However, it is valuable preparation for the World Cup in two years.
Bet on the USA on 12/1 with 10bet
Mexico was eliminated from the last World Cup before the round of 16, but they still managed to redeem themselves by winning the Gold Cup last year. El Tri will be confident in their chances of finishing top of Group B, which would ease their path to the semi-finals.
Mexico is trying to move on from an aging core, with Andres Guardado having retired and Guillermo Ochoa out of the squad. The question is whether others are ready to step up.
Bet on Mexico at 14/1 with Unibet
Ecuador could easily select a Copa America squad containing just one or two outfielders over the age of 30. Enner Valencia is one of those experienced players and his goalscoring record for his country is fantastic.
Elsewhere, Moises Caicedo will feature prominently in midfield and Piero Hincapie is a stylish central defender. The Ecuadorian group doesn’t look too difficult, so they will be confident they can make an impact.
Bet on Ecuador at 18/1 with William Hill
Chile won back-to-back Copas America in 2015 and 2016, but have struggled to recruit young players since then. As such, Alexis Sanchez (35 years old), Arturo Vidal (36 years old), Gary Medel (36 years old) and Claudio Bravo (41 years old) are still there.
The Chileans lifted the trophy in the United States eight years ago, but this time they are only underdogs.
Bet on Chile at 33/1 with Paddy Power
Venezuela reached the final of the Under-20 World Cup seven years ago but failed to take the next step at international level. However, they have had a good start to qualifying for the World Cup.
The draw for this tournament doesn’t look too daunting, with Venezuela being chosen alongside Mexico, Ecuador and Jamaica in Group B. They could spring a surprise or two this summer.
Bet on Venezuela at 100/1 with BetVictor
Jesse Marsch is Canada’s new manager after reaching a deal to take over in mid-May. His first task will be to select a team for the Copa America, where his new team will face Argentina, Peru and Chile in the group stage.
It will be difficult for Canada to advance to the round of 16, but they showed promising signs at the World Cup a year and a half ago.
Bet on Canada at 100/1 with Sky Bet
Greg Léa
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He primarily covers the Premier League and has published work in the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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