BACKA Panini Preview of CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™
Written by Julio Vega
We’re gearing up for a summer full of sensational soccer. CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™ will bring together the best stars in the Western hemisphere, making this tournament a can’t-miss event.
There are plenty of ways to get involved in the fun, whether it’s filling up the Official Panini Sticker Album or gathering with your fellow footy lovers to collect Prizm CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™ trading cards featuring some of the tournament’s biggest names. There will also be the chance to snag Panini Instant cards, which will highlight the top moments from the best players throughout.
The most fun, however, comes from watching the actual games themselves. It doesn’t matter if you plan on watching every minute of the tournament or just checking in on the big matchups. In fact, if you’re going the latter route, we have you covered. Below are all the must-watch group-stage games (and beyond) in this historic competition.
June 20 – Argentina vs. Canada
Countries on opposite ends of the Americas come together to open the tournament in Atlanta. Lionel Messi has his sights set on defending the continental crown and leads a core of stars that includes Ángel Di María, Nicolás Otamendi and Emiliano Martínez alongside young gems such as Alejandro Garnacho and Enzo Fernández.
The 15-time winners will take on an up-and-coming Canada squad that’s looking to make a statement in their tournament debut. Speedy attack-minded left-back Alphonso Davies headlines a group of talents like Cyle Larin, Jonathan David and Stephen Eustáquio. It’s certain to be a tasty Group A matchup to kick off the spectacle.
June 22 – Mexico vs. Jamaica
Two continental rivals who know all about each other, Mexico and Jamaica will face off to start their journey through Group B. La Selección Azteca announced a refreshed squad that includes key figures such as Edson Álvarez, Santiago Giménez and Uriel Antuna, as well as new faces like César Huerta and Marcelo Flores.
Meanwhile, The Reggae Boyz compete in the tournament for the third time and will likely be headlined by a roster stacked with talent, including Premier League stars Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Michail Antonio. Expect the sparks to fly as these two foes meet once again.
June 25 – Chile vs. Argentina
These two South American rivals have plenty of history, particularly in this tournament. The defending CONMEBOL Copa America™ champion Argentina will aim to pick up three points against a difficult rival.
Meanwhile, La Roja knows what it takes to take down a powerful opponent, having defeated La Albiceleste in two consecutive tournament finals (2015, 2016). Seasoned legends such as Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez are set to join forces with a new generation of talents like Ben Brereton Díaz, Marcelino Núñez and Alexander Aravena.
June 30 – Mexico vs. Ecuador
The first of three tasty group-stage finales, Mexico and Ecuador will battle to determine Group B’s standings.
While Mexico will have a pseudo-home field advantage in the United States, Ecuador boasts an exciting talent base that can’t be dismissed. That pool includes upcoming youngsters like Moisés Caicedo and Kendry Páez, who can gel alongside experienced heads like all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia and trusty shot-stopper Hernán Galíndez.
July 1 – United States vs. Uruguay
As the host of this edition of the CONMEBOL Copa America™, the United States will garner tons of viewers for its first two matches against a José Sagredo-led Bolivia and an Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla-led Panama. Those contests lead up to a crucial matchup against Uruguay.
The USA will aim for a statement performance against the 15-time tournament winners, with attacking star Christian Pulisic spearheading a team on the rise that includes Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and Matt Turner.
A result against La Celeste will be no easy feat, though. The South American side can call upon some of the continent’s top players in various positions, such as forwards Luis Suárez and Darwin Núñez, midfielders Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, defensive commander José María Giménez and reliable custodian Sergio Rochet. Given its strong mix of veterans and young talents, this side has its sights set on winning the competition for the first time since 2011.
July 2 – Brazil vs. Colombia
Brazil always produces must-watch soccer, especially when there’s a trophy on the line. Having last won this competition in 2019, the Canarinha will aim to add another to their collection this time around.
The nine-time tournament winners will take on Colombia in the final group-stage matchup and will likely have a star-studded group that includes Vini Jr., Endrick, Rodrygo, Marquinhos, and Alisson Becker.
For their part, Los Cafeteros are hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2001, relying on likely headliners such as Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma and David Ospina.
July 4-14 – The entire knockout phase
This is the business end of the tournament, where only the best teams move forward. From the quarter-finals onwards, the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024™ will be jam-packed with action, drama and must-watch moments. It will all culminate with the final held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the intercontinental champion will be crowned.
This summer is gearing up to be a great one for soccer. So, don’t be left behind. Dive right into the footy fever and take in every moment possible of one of the most historic international tournaments.
