Argentina set to open Copa América 2024

The 2024 Copa América is beginning to take shape. Although the draw for the groups has yet to be held, we do know that 2022 World Cup winners Argentina will kickstart the tournament which will be held again in the United States for the second time in its history. The Albiceleste will open the action at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, which is home to NFL side Atlanta Falcons and MLS team Atlanta United according to T&C Sports’ Gaston Edul.

The 2024 Copa América will commence on 20 June at the ‘temple’ of the ‘Five Stripes’ with the stadium considered to be among the most modern in the US with a capacity for more than 70,000 fans and currently having synthetic grass. Natural turf will be used for the tournament in Atlanta with Miami is expected to be the host city for the final.

Copa América favourites

Lionel Scaloni’s side will be the team to beat with obvious competition coming from neighbours and classic rivals in Brazil. The seleçao are currently struggling after a trio of defeats in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group but will look to address the balance of power when the Copa América comes around next summer.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay has established itself as one of the most attractive CONMEBOL teams in recent times with the Argentine coach forging a team that mixes experience and youth in equal parts. Luis Suárez, future star of Inter Miami, will command the Celeste in what will be his last major tournament at national team level. Ecuador are set to be touted as the ‘dark horses’ of the competition with Félix Sánchez’s team full of talent in every department personified by the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Gonzalo Plata along with new budding star, Kendry Páez.

What are the pots for the Copa América draw?

The group stage draw will commence on Thursday 7 December, with a four-pot seeding system in place. As a rough guide, the stronger teams are in Pot 1 with the weaker teams placed in Pot 4.