COPA AMÉRICA

Copa América 2024 draw: Possible opponents for Costa Rica if they qualify

Gustavo Alfaro’s side were beaten by Panama in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League, but can still qualify for the tournament in the US.

Jeffrey ArguedasEFE

Costa Rica failed to secure a Copa América place through the CONCACAF Nations League, but are still in the running to make next year’s tournament.

The four semi-finalists of the Nations League are granted entry to the 2024 Copa América in the United States. Costa Rica were defeated by Panama in the quarter-finals.

They now have a playoff fixture against Honduras on 23 March 2024 in Dallas, Texas. That will be their final opportunity to qualify for next summer’s expanded tournament.

Panama triumphed over Costa Rica in the Nations League quarter-final.JOSE CORDEROAFP

Gustavo Alfaro’s team may not have secured their place, but they will be watching the Copa América draw intently on Thursday. If they beat Honduras in March they will enter the group stages as a Pot 4 team.

Who could Costa Rica play in Copa América?

The draw for the group stages of the 2024 Copa América will take place on Thursday, 7 December. The 16 teams have been be divided into four seeded pots, with four teams in each.

One team will be drawn from each pot to create four groups of four teams. This seeding system is in place to ensure that the groups are of roughly similar quality.

What are the pots for the Copa América draw?

Pot 1: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, United States
Pot 2: Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Pot 3: Chile, Panama, Venezuela, Paraguay
Pot 4: Jamaica, Bolivia, Playoff winner 1, Playoff winner 2

Costa Rica find themselves in Pot 4, so they can expect to face three teams stronger than them in the group.

The toughest possible group would be Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela. If they are lucky they might land a group with Mexico, Peru and Paraguay.

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