Canada's Copa America Debut
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team makes its competition debut at Copa America 2024. CONMEBOL has a history of inviting nations outside the confederation to compete in Copa America, but Canada never made that list. However, they announced in 2023 that six CONCACAF teams would qualify for the competition for the first time in its history. 41 teams entered the 2023-24 Nations League with an opportunity to play in the Copa America finals.
Canada automatically reached the quarterfinals through seeding for an opportunity for qualification. However, they fell short on away goals after a 4-4 draw across two legs with Jamaica. This meant they faced Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff for one of the final two spots for Copa America in 2024. Les Rouges stepped up, winning 2-0 with goals from Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg to secure their place in the competition for the first time.
The win is a testament to how far the Canucks have come in recent years. The Canadian talent pool has improved drastically and now boasts players in some of Europe’s top soccer leagues. Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, and Jonathan David have stepped up in the elite leagues across Europe. Now, they face an even bigger task, carrying their nation into Copa America for the first time.
Copa America Betting Tips
One of the most enjoyable parts of Copa America is wagering on the games. Some of the biggest talents in world football play at the tournament. Lionel Messi will appear in what could be his final international competition. The Inter Miami forward is the favourite to receive the top goalscorer award.
International tournaments may look easy to wager on, but history dictates they are anything but. We often see shock results and early exits. To help avoid making those mistakes, we have created a guide for placing soccer bets on Copa America.
- Analyze the opening stages: The excitement surrounding the start of Copa America may tempt you to wager on the early games. However, waiting to see how teams play before betting on Copa America will allow you to bet more confidently. International tournaments often provide surprise results, so wait and see how teams perform before wagering. There are over 30 games in the Copa America schedule, giving you plenty of chances to bet.
- Map out potential routes: Following the group stages, we get to the knockout rounds. This is where we see some of the tastiest matchups between the top performers. Before betting on these rounds, it would be beneficial to map out the potential routes to the final. This can help you make more informed wagers, specifically on outright and round betting. For example, our predictions have Uruguay topping their group and Colombia finishing second in theirs. This would mean they would meet in the quarterfinals. Colombia is undefeated in their last three meetings with Uruguay.
- Avoid low-risk and low-reward wagers: There are plenty of group-stage games where giants of world football will clash with underdogs. Brazil and Argentina are two of the best national teams in the world and it seems an obvious choice to back them all the way. However, big wagers on them represent a low risk for low reward. They will probably enter every group fixture as odds on favourites, offering low returns on moneyline bets. It is not worth risking a loss here. In 2022, we saw Argentina fall victim to one of the most surprising defeats in World Cup history when Saudi Arabia beat them 2-1. Copa America could just as easily spring something similar.
- Mix up your bets: Piggybacking off our last tip, try to delve into other markets away from the moneyline. As wins for tournament favourites offer short odds, look for different ways to back them. Handicap bets are a great way to bet on soccer favourites. You can also bet on player markets, like the top goalscorer and a team winning the group. Our online sportsbook has tons of exciting betting markets for Copa America.
- Live betting: Placing live bets can add an extra layer of entertainment to Copa America. You can watch the game unfold and wager accordingly. For example, if a player is showing poor temperament, you can bet in-play for them to be carded. Live betting may present less attractive odds when compared to pre-match bets, but it can allow you to wager smartly.
- Check the squads: The Copa America squad deadline for announcements is June 6. There are already some nations that have finalized their squads. However, some are still provisional and the manager will trim the fat to a 26-man roster. Throughout the tournament, we could also see players withdraw. It is important to monitor any injuries to avoid making bad wagers. We will keep you updated on Copa America news.
Copa America Predictions
We have observed the domestic seasons across the Americas and any international games in the build-up to Copa America. We can offer the most accurate predictions from our research. New customers can sign up to our online sportsbook and claim a welcome bonus to wager on our predictions. Our 100% bonus will match your first deposit up to $500, allowing you to wager with reduced risk.
When looking at the prospective Copa America winners, there are two clear favourites. Argentina leads the soccer betting odds at 9/5. La Albiceleste hired head coach Lionel Scaloni in 2018, following Jorge Sampaoli’s exit because of a poor World Cup campaign. The appointment was controversial, with fans lamenting the decision due to Scaloni’s inexperience.
However, they have not looked back since. He provided instant success when he led his side to lift the Copa America in 2021. The following year, Argentina lifted the World Cup in Qatar. Scaloni will be confident of repeating his success in his third straight competitive tournament. Valentin Barco, Valentin Carboni, and Alejandro Garnacho will add a youthful vigour to the squad following successful domestic campaigns. They meet up with established stars like Lionel Messi, Ángel di María, and Nicolas Otamendi.
Brazil enters the tournament as the second favourite priced at 9/4 with our online sportsbook. Selecao fell short in the Copa America final in 2021, losing 1-0 to rivals Argentina. They followed up with a disappointing showing at the World Cup, exiting in the quarterfinals to Croatia after losing on penalties. They hired Dorival Junior in 2023 following his Copa Do Brazil winning season with Sao Paulo. The experienced coach has begun with two impressive friendly performances. The 1-0 victory away to England in March followed a 3-3 thriller against Spain in Madrid. These results against two of Europe’s best-performing nations have Brazilians relishing their Copa America campaign.
The most notable omission from their Copa America squad is that of all-time leading goalscorer Neymar. The legendary forward will miss the tournament after injuring his ACL in October last year. There are just five players aged over 28 in Dorival Junior’s squad. A youthful frontline will spearhead their charge for the Copa America. Starlets Endrick and Savio established themselves as two of the top young talents in the world. The former will join Brazilian teammates Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo at Real Madrid in July when he turns 18.
While considered outsiders, a bet on the USA to win the tournament may be worthwhile at 14/1. They are the host nation for Copa America. Historically, we have seen that favour teams in this competition. Over the last decade, Brazil has lifted the trophy when hosting in 2019, as did Chile in 2015. The USMNT is taking a ‘golden generation’ of players to the tournament. They boast established stars of European soccer such as Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Weston McKennie; the three lineup for Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus. McKennie has won three trophies since joining Juventus in 2021, while Pulisic made the Serie A Team of the Season in 2023/24. As Gregg Berhalter’s team is not among the favourites, you may instead consider wagering on them to reach the Semifinal. They are 11/4 to reach the final four.
When looking at the group stages, there are some clear favourites to finish on top. Our prediction sees Argentina topping Group A, followed by Chile. The latter won back-to-back tournaments in 2015 and 2016 and could emerge as a surprise package in 2024. Group B is tighter, but Mexico has a slight edge over Ecuador for the second spot. Group C is also close, but Uruguay edges the USA for the top spot. Finally, Brazil should face a clear run out of Group D with former champions Colombia progressing in second place.
Last 10 Winners of Copa America
When looking at the previous winners of Copa America, some interesting trends arise. Here are the 10 most recent winners of the tournament.
- 2021: Argentina 1-0 Brazil (Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- 2019: Brazil 3-1 Peru, (Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- 2016: Chile 0-0 Argentina, Chile win 4-2 on penalties (MetLife, East Rutherford, USA)
- 2015: Chile 0-0 Argentina, Chile win 4-1 on penalties (Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile)
- 2011: Uruguay 3-0 Paraguay (Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- 2007: Brazil 3-0 Argentina (Jose E. Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela)
- 2004: Brazil 2-2 Argentina, Brazil win 4-2 on penalties (Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru)
- 2001: Colombia 1-0 Mexico (El Campin, Bogota, Colombia)
- 1999: Brazil 3-0 Uruguay (Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion, Paraguay)
- 1997: Brazil 3-1 Bolivia (Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia)
We first notice how Brazil has dominated the competition in recent history. They have lifted the Copa America in five of the last ten tournaments. Dorival Junior’s team looks in good standing to do so again.
Playing on home soil can prove a blessing for underdogs. Chile’s win on penalties in 2015 over giants Argentina came as a surprise for many. While finishing runners-up, Bolivia reaching the final on home soil in 1997 was a fantastic achievement. This could prove a good omen should you place a bet on the USA to reach the final.
Copa America News
We are here to update you with the latest Copa America news. We have covered the Copa America cities, stadiums, and schedule, plus we have a detailed article for when the tournament starts. Check back as the competition progresses for the latest developments, predictions, and tips for betting on Copa America.
Below we will detail the full Copa America fixtures with every group game, kick-off time, date, and stadium.
Copa America 2024 Group Stages
Group A
- June 20 at 8 pm EDT: Argentina vs. Canada, Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- June 21 at 7 pm CDT: Peru vs. Chile, Arlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)
- June 25 at 5 pm CDT: Peru vs. Canada, Kansas City, KS (Children’s Mercy Park)
- June 25 at 9 pm EDT: Chile vs. Argentina, East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
- June 29 at 8 pm EDT: Argentina vs. Peru, Miami, FL (Hard Rock Stadium)
- June 29 at 8 pm EDT: Canada vs. Chile, Orlando, FL (Exploria Stadium)
Group B
- June 22 at 3 pm PDT: Ecuador vs. Venezuela, Santa Clara, CA (Levi’s Stadium)
- June 22 at 8 pm CDT: Mexico vs. Jamaica, Houston, TX (NRG Stadium)
- June 26 at 3 pm PDT: Ecuador vs. Jamaica, Las Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium)
- June 26 at 6 pm PDT: Venezuela vs. Mexico, Inglewood, CA (SoFi Stadium)
- June 30 at 7 pm CDT: Jamaica vs. Venezuela, Austin, TX (Q2 Stadium)
- June 30 at 5 pm MST: Mexico vs. Ecuador, Glendale, AZ (State Farm Stadium)
Group C
- June 23 at 5 pm CDT: USA vs. Bolivia, Arlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)
- June 23 at 9 pm EDT: Uruguay vs. Panama, Miami, FL (Hard Rock Stadium)
- June 27 at 6 pm EDT: Panama vs. USA, Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- June 27 at 9 pm EDT: Uruguay vs. Bolivia, East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
- July 1 at 9 pm EDT: Bolivia vs. Panama, Orlando, FL (Exploria Stadium)
- July 1 at 8 pm CDT: USA vs. Uruguay, Kansas City, MO (Arrowhead Stadium)
Group D
- June 24 at 5 pm CDT: Colombia vs. Paraguay, Houston, TX (NRG Stadium)
- June 24 at 6 pm PDT: Brazil vs. Costa Rica, Inglewood, CA (SoFi Stadium)
- June 28 at 3 pm MST: Colombia vs. Costa Rica, Glendale, AZ (State Farm Stadium)
- June 28 at 6 pm PDT: Paraguay vs. Brazil, Las Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium)
- July 2 at 8 pm PDT: Costa Rica vs. Paraguay, Austin, TX (Q2 Stadium)
- July 2 at 6 pm CDT: Brazil vs. Colombia, Santa Clara, CA (Levi’s Stadium)
Copa America 2024 Quarterfinals
- July 4 at 8 pm CDT: Winner Group A VS Runner-up Group B (NRG Stadium)
- July 5 at 8 pm CDT: Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A (AT&T Stadium)
- July 6 at 6 pm PDT: Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D (Allegiant Stadium)
- July 6 at 3 pm MST: Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C (State Farm Stadium)
Copa America 2024 Semifinals
- July 9 at 8 pm EDT: Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26 (MetLife Stadium)
- July 10 at 8 pm EDT: Winner Match 27 vs Winner Match 28 (Bank of America Stadium)
Copa America 2024 Final
- July 14 at 8 pm EDT: Winner Match 29 vs Winner Match 30 (Hard Rock Stadium)
Who qualified for Copa America 2024?
Sixteen teams qualified for Copa America this year. This presents an expansion from previous years when ten teams entered the tournament. The expansion is part of the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF strategic partnership, announced in 2022. Six guest teams qualified through the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League. Despite being hosts, the USA did not automatically qualify for the tournament. Copa America 2024 will be the first time the Canadian international men’s team has entered.
CONMEBOL
- Argentina (title holders)
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
CONCACAF
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Panama
- United States
- Canada
- Costa Rica
