Copa America 2024: Group C Preview
There is a lot of optimism surrounding both USA and Uruguay for this tournament, genuine challengers for the title on paper. That’s a complete contrast to the other two – Panama and Bolivia are both priced at 7/1 to secure qualification to the knockouts.
Group C:
- USA
- Uruguay
- Bolivia
- Panama
USA
- USA were not invited to the last Copa America tournament, but will participate in this years’ edition by virtue of being the host nation.
- In their history, they have played in the Copa America just four times, with fourth-place being the highest place they have achieved.
- USA recently drew 1-1 with Brazil, but were obliterated by Colombia prior to that by a scoreline of 5-1.
- USA have a ton of recognisable names, performing in top leagues, which really raises expectation.
- Pulisic is the favourite to top the USA goalscoring charts. With 29 goals, Pulisic is the highest-scorer for USA currently playing, so will be looking to extend his record. He scored one goal at the 2022 World Cup, which was enough to secure the top goalscorer – 5.5 looks a decent price.
- Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will feature in defence, although USA have leaked goals in recent games.
Uruguay
- Alongside Argentina, Uruguay are the most decorated nation in the Copa America, with 15 titles.
- Marcelo Bielsa has transformed Uruguay back into a real force on the international stage, so Uruguay come in as dark horses to lift the trophy. Despite having taken charge of just 9 games, expectations are high.
- Since 2020, Argentina have lost just two games – one came against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup. The other was a 2-0 loss to Uruguay.
- Uruguay has been notorious for producing great strikers. Edinson Cavani has retired, Suarez has travelled with the squad, but Darwin Nunez is set to lead the line. He has been in notable international form, recently netting a hat trick against Mexico in the USA.
- Champions League winner Fede Valverde will be a mainstay in midfield – he has an absolute rocket in his right boot and is one to watch from distance.
- Bielsa’s high pressing makes for some high-scoring games.
Bolivia
- Bolivia currently sit 9th in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with 1 win and 5 losses. Their only win came against basement dwellers Peru
- With recent losses to Panama and Uruguay, it’s difficult to see a route out of the group stages for Bolivia.
- Only 5 players play abroad.
Panama
- Will feature in their second ever Copa America tournament.
- Despite being massive underdogs, Panama have shown spirit and recent beaten Bolivia and USA.
- Ismael Diaz is perhaps the most likely top scorer for Panama, who feature dew recognisable names.
Group Prediction:
- Uruguay
- USA
- Panama
- Bolivia
