Copa America 2024: Group A Preview
Group A hosts an interesting blend of nations. Argentina are the holders, favourites to retain the trophy. Canada find themselves in a good little period, although come in as outsiders to qualify for the knockouts. Peru and Chile are sleeping giants, with historical success in the competition, but they are both in a bit of a slump – it’s an interesting dynamic, and extremely tough to call.
Group A:
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Argentina
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Peru
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Chile
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Canada
Argentina
- 36-year-old Lionel Messi recently admitted his career seems to be nearing an end, and he will not play for another club after Inter Miami. This could be the last time we witness the little magician on the international stage.
- Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final in 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, making them the current holders. Angel Di Maria scored the decisive goal to deliver a first international honours since 1993 for Argentina.
- Priced at just 2.75 to Win Outright, Argentina are the favourites to lift the trophy once more.
- Argentina are currently top of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying group, with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss from their 6 games. Their one loss came against Uruguay, which finished 2-0. Excluding that game, they have beaten every team to nil, including Brazil.
- 36-year-old Di Maria scored the all important-goal to secure the Copa America title in 2021, and is set for one last dance alongside Lionel Messi. Argentina have a plethora of attacking options, so his role might be a bit more limited this year.
- Emi Martinez has been incredible for his national side, and has been a massive contributor to recent success. The Aston Villa keeper won the Golden Glove award in the 2022 World Cup, and made headlines for his game-winning save in extra time.
- Christian Romero is set to partner veteran Nicolas Otamendi – two very aggressive players.
- Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis MacAllister and Enzo Fernandez are set to comprise the midfield trio.
- Lautaro Martinez looks poised to lead the line. With 24 goals in 33 Serie A game this season, He topped the scoring charts so should be full of confidence. He received a bit of criticism for his wastefulness at the World Cup, so will be looking to atone for his mistakes.
Peru
- Peru have looked really poor in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers recently – sitting rock bottom of the table with 4 losses and 2 draws from 6 games.
- Jorge Fossati recently took charge of Peru, and is currently undefeated in his four games as manager. They’ve kept three clean sheets in four games, although against much lower-ranking opponents.
- A notable change has been the switch to a 3-back formation, with wingbacks. Feyenoord defender Marcos Lopez is set for a massive role as a left-wing back, afforded a fair bit of attacking freedom.
- Renato Tapia of Celta Vigo is perhaps the most recognisable name for Peru, although there is a lack representation for Peru across Europe’s top 5 leagues.
Chile
- Once upon a time, Chile were back-to-back Copa America winners, led by Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. That golden generation has since faded away, and Chile currently sit 8th of 10 teams in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a dreadful record of 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses from their six games. They are currently out of contention to qualify for the World Cup.
- Alexis Sanchez is still going strong, and started all three recent friendlies for Chile.
- Those performances were quite positive – Chile beat Albania 3-0, Paraguay 3-0 and put up a real fight against France, eventually falling in a 3-2 loss.
- Excluding Alexis Sanchez, Ben Brereton Diaz of Sheffield Utd is perhaps the most recognisable name, although is yet to secure a starting spot for his national side.
- In those three recent friendlies, Victor Davila has been awarded man of the match in two, netting a brace most recently against Paraguay.
Canada
- Led by former Leeds manager Jesse March, Canada will make their first ever appearance in the Copa America.
- Canada were eliminated in the group stages at the 2022 World Cup, and got to the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup in 2023.
- Alphonso Davies hasn’t featured regularly for Bayern this season, but he is arguably the most important player for Canada. He scored the only goal for Canada at the World Cup (the other being an own goal), as he typically finds himself deployed up the field as a winger. He’s more than capable in that position – he memorably scored an absolute worldie off the bench for Bayern against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this season.
- Jonathan David can be expected to contribute with the goals – he was particularly prolific for Lille this season, netting 19 goals in 34 league appearances.
Group Prediction
- Argentina (qualified)
- Chile
- Canada
- Peru
