As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated 2024 Copa América, football enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the clash of the continental heavyweights. With 16 teams set to compete in this prestigious tournament, the race for the coveted trophy promises to be a captivating affair.

16. Venezuela

Venezuela, the perennial underdogs of South American football, face an uphill battle in the 2024 Copa América. Despite their passionate fan base and occasional bright sparks, the Venezuelan national team has consistently struggled to make a lasting impact on the continental stage.

Plagued by a lack of top-tier talent and limited resources, La Vinotinto will rely heavily on collective effort and organization to pose any real threat to their more fancied opponents. The team’s recent performances have been underwhelming, with a string of disappointing results in World Cup qualifying and the last edition of the Copa América.

To stand a chance of causing an upset, Venezuela will need to find a way to unlock the potential of their young prospects and mold them into a cohesive unit. However, the odds are stacked against them, and they are likely to find themselves firmly rooted to the bottom of the power rankings.

15. Panama

Despite their consistent presence in CONCACAF tournaments, Panama’s record at the Copa América has been less than impressive. The Central American nation is set to make its fifth appearance in the continental showpiece, but their previous outings have been marked by early exits and forgettable performances.1The Panamanian squad lacks the star power and technical quality to compete with the South American giants, and their reliance on physical and defensive attributes often leaves them vulnerable against more technically gifted opponents.

In the 2024 edition, Panama will be looking to defy the odds and make a statement, but they face an uphill battle. Overcoming the likes of Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil will require a monumental effort, and it remains to be seen whether they have the necessary tools to pull off such a feat.

14. Bolivia

Bolivia’s long-standing struggles in international football are well-documented, and the 2024 Copa América is unlikely to be any different. As the perennial whipping boys of South American football, La Verde has consistently found it challenging to compete with the region’s elite.1The team’s woes can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the challenges posed by playing at high altitudes, a lack of investment in grassroots development, and the constant turnover of coaches and players.1

While the 2024 edition of the Copa América presents an opportunity for Bolivia to surprise the doubters, their lack of quality and depth across the squad makes it a daunting task. Unless they can find a way to overcome their systemic issues and unearth a new generation of talented players, the Bolivians are destined to occupy the lower rungs of the power rankings.

13. Qatar

As a special guest participant in the 2024 Copa América, Qatar will be looking to make the most of its opportunity to compete against the best teams in South American football. The reigning Asian champions have made significant strides in recent years, but their ability to translate their continental success onto the global stage remains a work in progress.1

The Qatari squad boasts a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents, led by the talismanic figure of Akram Afif. However, the team’s lack of familiarity with the South American style of play and the intense pressure of a high-profile tournament could prove to be their undoing.

Qatar’s inclusion in the Copa América is a testament to the growing influence of Asian football on the global stage, but their chances of making a deep run in the tournament remain slim. Realistically, they will be content with putting in a respectable performance and using the experience as a stepping stone for future challenges.

12. Bolivia

Once a dominant force in South American football, Peru has struggled to recapture the glory days of their past. The 2024 Copa América presents an opportunity for La Blanquirroja to rediscover their identity and make a statement on the continental stage.

Under the guidance of a new coach, Peru will be hoping to harness the talents of their experienced players, such as André Carrillo and Yoshimar Yotún, while also integrating a new generation of promising prospects. Their ability to strike the right balance and find a cohesive playing style will be crucial to their chances of success.

However, Peru’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and they face the daunting task of navigating a group that includes the likes of Argentina and Brazil. While they possess the potential to surprise, their status as perennial underdogs in the power rankings reflects the uphill battle they face in the 2024 Copa América.

11. Ecuador

Ecuador’s return to the Copa América after a brief hiatus has generated a sense of cautious optimism among their fans. La Tri has shown glimpses of their potential in recent years, with a talented crop of players emerging to challenge the continent’s traditional powerhouses.

Led by the experienced Enner Valencia and the dynamic Moises Caicedo, Ecuador will be aiming to showcase their technical prowess and tactical flexibility. Their ability to combine defensive solidity with a potent attacking threat could make them a tricky opponent for any team in the tournament.

However, Ecuador’s inconsistency and the lack of depth in their squad remain concerns. They will need to overcome these challenges and deliver a series of impressive performances to climb higher in the power rankings. A place in the knockout stages would be a significant achievement for Ecuador, and they will be eager to prove their mettle against the continent’s elite.

10. Paraguay

Paraguay’s rich history in the Copa América is a testament to their resilience and ability to punch above their weight. Despite not boasting the same level of star power as some of their rivals, La Albirroja has often found a way to make deep runs in the tournament, relying on their trademark grit and organization.1

In the 2024 edition, Paraguay will once again be looking to defy the odds and secure a place among the tournament’s contenders. The team’s strength lies in its collective spirit and the ability of its players to adapt to the demands of the game, making them a tough nut to crack for any opponent.

However, the Paraguayan squad lacks the individual quality and depth to consistently challenge the South American giants. They will need to ensure their defensive solidity remains intact while finding ways to maximize their limited attacking resources. A place in the quarterfinals would be a respectable achievement for Paraguay, but they face an uphill battle to climb higher in the power rankings.

9. Chile

Chile’s fall from grace in recent years has been a source of disappointment for their passionate supporters, but the 2024 Copa América presents an opportunity for La Roja to reclaim their place among the continent’s elit

The team’s golden generation, led by the likes of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez, has since retired, leaving a void that the current squad has struggled to fill. However, the emergence of talented youngsters, such as Marcelino Núñez and Sebastián Sáez, has rekindled hope among Chilean fans.

Under a new coach, Chile will be aiming to rediscover their identity and playing style, which once made them one of the most feared teams in South America. Their ability to blend experience and youthful exuberance will be crucial to their chances of success. While they may not be among the tournament favorites, a respectable performance and a place in the knockout stages would be a step in the right direction for the Chilean national team.

8. Colombia

Colombia’s recent struggles have been a source of concern for their supporters, but the 2024 Copa América presents an opportunity for Los Cafeteros to reclaim their status as a force to be reckoned with in South American football.

The team’s core of experienced players, such as James Rodríguez and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, will be joined by a new generation of promising talents, including the likes of Luis Díaz and Jhon Janer Lucumí. This blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars could prove to be a potent combination for Colombia.

However, the team’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and they will need to find a way to harness the collective potential of the squad. Their ability to overcome the pressure of being one of the tournament’s favorites and deliver a series of solid performances will be crucial to their chances of making a deep run in the Copa América.

7. Uruguay

Uruguay, the two-time defending champions of the Copa América, will be aiming to make it a hat-trick of titles in 2024. As one of the traditional powerhouses of South American football, La Celeste boasts a rich history and an unwavering determination to succeed on the continental stage.

Led by the evergreen Luis Suárez and the commanding presence of Diego Godín in defense, Uruguay’s squad is a mix of experienced heads and promising young talents. Their ability to grind out results, coupled with their renowned defensive solidity, make them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.

However, the Uruguayan national team has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, with an aging core and the need to integrate new players into the squad. Their success in the 2024 Copa América will depend on their ability to overcome these hurdles and maintain their reputation as one of the continent’s most dominant forces.

6. Mexico

As the sole CONCACAF representative in the 2024 Copa América, Mexico will be eager to make a statement and prove its worth against the South American giants. El Tri’s participation in the tournament is a testament to their growing influence on the international stage, and they will be determined to showcase their quality.

The Mexican squad boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talents, led by the likes of Hirving Lozano and Edson Álvarez. Their ability to adapt to the demands of the South American style of play and impose their own brand of football will be crucial to their chances of success.

Mexico’s recent performances in CONCACAF competitions have been impressive, and they will be aiming to carry that momentum into the 2024 Copa América. A place in the latter stages of the tournament would be a significant achievement for El Tri and would further enhance their reputation as one of the rising forces in international football.

5. United States

​The United States men’s national team (USMNT) will be one of the most intriguing participants in the 2024 Copa América, as they look to make a statement on home soil.As the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT will view this tournament as a crucial stepping stone in their preparations for the global showpiece.

Boasting a talented squad filled with a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the USMNT will be aiming to capitalize on the opportunity to compete against the best teams in South America. Led by the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, the Americans have the potential to cause a stir and challenge the traditional powerhouses.

However, the USMNT’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and they will need to find a way to overcome their occasional defensive frailties and maximize the attacking potential of their squad. A deep run in the 2024 Copa América would be a significant achievement for the United States and would serve as a valuable learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

4. Brazil

Brazil, the perennial favorites to lift the Copa América trophy, will be among the top contenders in the 2024 edition of the tournament. As the most successful national team in the competition’s history, with nine titles, the Seleção will be determined to add to their impressive tally.

Led by the attacking brilliance of Neymar and the defensive solidity of Marquinhos, Brazil’s squad is a blend of world-class talents and experienced heads. Their ability to control the tempo of the game, dominate possession, and create scoring opportunities make them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.

However, the Brazilians will be wary of the high expectations that often accompany their participation in major tournaments. Their quest for glory will be closely watched, and they will need to navigate the pressure and deliver a series of commanding performances to cement their status as the tournament favorites.

3. Argentina

As the reigning champions of the Copa América, Argentina will be eager to defend their title and cement their status as one of the continent’s dominant forces. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, La Albiceleste boasts a squad filled with world-class talent that has the potential to overwhelm any opponent.1

The Argentinian team’s ability to blend experience and youthful exuberance, combined with their tactical flexibility and clinical finishing, make them a formidable opponent. The emergence of players like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández has added a new dimension to Argentina’s game, complementing the brilliance of Messi.

However, Argentina’s recent success has also brought heightened expectations, and they will need to navigate the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being one of the tournament favorites. Their ability to maintain focus and deliver consistent performances will be crucial to their chances of retaining the Copa América title.

2. France

The inclusion of France as a special guest participant in the 2024 Copa América has generated a significant amount of excitement and anticipation. As the reigning world champions, Les Bleus will be eager to showcase their quality on the South American stage and test themselves against the continent’s elite.

Boasting a squad filled with world-class talents, such as Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, France possesses the individual quality and collective strength to overwhelm any opponent. Their ability to dominate possession, create scoring chances, and defend as a cohesive unit makes them a formidable force.

However, the unique challenges of the Copa América, including the intense heat, the passionate crowds, and the tactical nuances of the South American game, could pose a significant test for the French team. Their ability to adapt and thrive in this unfamiliar environment will be crucial to their chances of success.

1. Spain

Spain’s inclusion in the 2024 Copa América as a special guest participant adds an intriguing dimension to the tournament. As one of the global powerhouses of international football, La Roja will be eager to showcase their technical prowess and tactical sophistication against the South American giants.

Led by the midfield maestro Rodri and the defensive solidity of Virgil van Dijk, Spain’s squad possesses the perfect blend of experience, creativity, and defensive organization to overwhelm their opponents. Their ability to control the tempo of the game, maintain possession, and create high-quality scoring chances makes them a worthy favorite to lift the trophy.