As Copa America 2024 inches closer, the roster of participating teams is nearly finalized, but the key event on the horizon is the much-anticipated draw for the group stages. The stage is set for the draw, with the USMNT securing a spot in Pot 1, ensuring they won’t face group-stage matchups against heavyweights Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. This significant development was confirmed as the United States, celebrated as one of the top teams in the CONCACAF, will be a part of the prestigious Pot 1 in the upcoming Copa America draw scheduled for Thursday in Miami.
CONMEBOL’s announcement on Friday detailed the formation of the four Copa America 2024 groups that will shape next summer’s tournament.
In a nod to their reigning status, Argentina will spearhead Group A, while Mexico, the current CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, will dominate Group B. The United States, recognized for their impressive 14th place in the recently updated FIFA rankings, will lead Group C, a decision by CONMEBOL to honor the best team in CONCACAF. Lastly, Group D will be anchored by Brazil, lauded as the top team in CONMEBOL according to the FIFA world rankings. The anticipation for the draw and the matchups it will produce adds another layer of excitement to Copa America 2024.
Copa America 2024: USMNT Secured Their Spot
The journey to Copa America 2024 for the U.S. Men’s National Team has been akin to an action-packed thrill ride, featuring intense battles in the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals. The two-legged format added layers of excitement and suspense, with the victors earning a direct ticket to Copa America 2024. In the first leg, the USMNT demonstrated their superiority with a commanding 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. The second leg, despite a narrow 2-1 loss, was enough to seal their spot in the tournament. This competition format intriguingly also allows for a second chance for the teams that initially fell short, offering them another opportunity to qualify in a subsequent round.
For a comprehensive look at the USMNT’s path to qualification, delve into our detailed coverage on ‘How USMNT Secured Spot in the Spotlight’.
Copa America 2024: Uruguay’s Rise and CONCACAF’s Strong Representation
Uruguay has recently made significant progress in international football, overtaking both the United States and Mexico in the rankings. Despite this leap, the North American powerhouses of the United States and Mexico maintain their prestigious positions in Pot 1 for the upcoming Copa America 2024, while Uruguay finds itself in Pot 2.
In the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF), six teams are set to participate. The United States and Mexico lead the pack, joined by Panama and Jamaica who have already secured their places. The race for the remaining two slots will intensify in March with playoffs.
Honduras, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Costa Rica are set to vie for the final two spots, known as CONCACAF 5 and 6, heightening the excitement for Copa America 2024.
When Will the Copa America 2024 Draw Take Place?
The eagerly anticipated draw for Copa America 2024 is set for Thursday, 7 December, in Miami. This event will determine the group placements for each participating team. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on 20 June 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will conclude with the grand finale on 14 July at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Teams will be allocated into groups based on a draw from four pots. These pots are structured around the FIFA Rankings to ensure a balanced and competitive tournament.
Here’s how the pots are lined up for the Copa America draw:
- Pot 1: Argentina, Brazil, United States, and Mexico.
- Pot 2: Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- Pot 3: Chile, Panama, Venezuela, and Paraguay.
- Pot 4: Jamaica, Bolivia, CONCACAF 5 and CONCACAF 6.
This draw is a crucial step in setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Copa America 2024.
When Will the Copa America 2024 Tournament Take Place?
The Copa America, recognized as the world’s oldest international football tournament, is gearing up to bring its thrilling competition to the United States in 2024. This storied event, which originated in 1916 to commemorate Argentina’s centennial of independence, will showcase the customary 10 CONMEBOL national teams, along with two guest nations. Under the governance of CONMEBOL, Copa America has risen to prominence as the foremost football tournament in South America. Transitioning to a quadrennial format in 2007, it boasts a history and prestige that render it a landmark occasion in the worldwide soccer field.
Copa America 2024, marking the 48th edition of this esteemed soccer event, is set to unite the football legacies of CONMEBOL and CONCACAF in the United States. Running from June 20 to July 14, 2024, the tournament will be showcased in several of America’s most celebrated stadiums.
The inaugural match is poised to take place at the soccer field of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a multifunctional arena shared by MLS’s Atlanta United and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, with a seating capacity of 71,000. Renowned for hosting significant events like Super Bowl LIII and the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, this stadium is well-acquainted with the grandeur of major sporting spectacles.
Additionally, the venue for the final match of Copa America 2024 has already been officially announced.
Will Messi Play in Copa America 2024?
Whether Lionel Messi will participate in Copa America 2024 remains a topic of speculation. Argentina, bolstered by Messi’s leadership, is considered a top contender for defending their title in the tournament. The Argentine squad, featuring Messi, is a powerhouse of talent including Emiliano Martinez, a formidable goalkeeper; Enzo Fernandez, known for his vibrant midfield presence; Julian Alvarez, a promising striker; and Paulo Dybala, a midfielder acclaimed for his technical prowess.
However, the burning question remains: will we see Messi’s jersey shining on the field once again for Copa America 2024? Having achieved an impressive array of international accolades in just one and a half years – starting with the Copa America 2021 victory over Brazil, followed by the Finalissima against Euro Cup winners Italy, and then the World Cup triumph over France – there’s speculation whether Messi might choose to conclude his career at this high point.
Yet, in a recent interview with Argentine actor and comedian Migue Granados for Olga TV, Messi expressed his continued passion for the game, suggesting retirement isn’t on his immediate horizon.
“I don’t want to think about retirement. I haven’t thought about it and I don’t want to think about it either, because I want to continue enjoying what I do. I took a big step in leaving Europe and coming here and I don’t want to think about the next step, I want to continue to enjoy playing as much as I can because that’s what I like most.”
He stated.
This sentiment strongly suggests that Messi’s participation in Copa America 2024 is likely, as long as his passion for the game remains undiminished.
For fans eager to delve deeper, here’s the full interview with Lionel Messi, complete with English subtitles, offering an intimate look into his thoughts and future in football.