Copa America 2024 GROUP A: Preview, Prediction, Key Players and Key Matches to Watch
Copa America 2024 is almost upon us, with holders Argentina set to take on Canada in the opening game on Friday, June 21. La Albiceleste will look to continue their excellent run and defend the trophy they won in 2021.
The Copa America 2024 is set to take place in the United States of America, with the final set for July 14. Argentina are placed in Group A alongside Canada, Peru, and Chile. Let’s take a detailed look at the group:
Prediction:
Argentina – Argentina are arguably the favorites to win their 16th Copa America title this summer, which will make them the most successful side in the tournament’s history. They are currently tied with Uruguay with 15 titles. Argentina won the 2021 edition and then went on to win the La Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Lionel Messi-led side have been in stellar form as well and look well-balanced and are FIFA’s No. 1-ranked team in the world. Stopping them would definitely be a tough task.
Peru – Peru have won two Copa America titles in their history, with their last win coming in 1975. They have had a tough time in recent years though. They have failed to win any of their six 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, drawing two and losing four.
Peru will need to be at their absolute best if they are to get past the group stages and compete for the Copa America 2024 trophy. They are ranked 32 in the FIFA World Rankings.
Chile – Chile won the Copa America trophies back-to-back in 2015 and 2016. In fact, they beat Argentina on penalties in the final of the 2016 edition, which also took place in the US.
However, La Roja are far from that side currently and have been inconsistent. They do come into the tournament on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Paraguay and will hope that confidence and push them through the group. They are 42nd in the FIFA World Rankings.
Canada – Canada have a decent team on paper but haven’t really had a decent preparation for the tournament. They have a new manager in Jesse Marsch and played just six games since their Concacaf Gold Cup exit in 2023.
Canada recently beat Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League play-off to qualify for Copa America 2024 and held France to a goalless draw in a friendly. The 49th-ranked team will look to build on these performances on their Copa America debut.
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Key Players to Watch Out in Copa America 2024 Group A
Lionel Messi
When Lionel Messi is playing at a tournament, he will always be a player to watch out for. The Copa America 2024 is likely to be the 36-year-old’s last major tournament with Argentina.
The Inter Miami star is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 108 goals and 57 assists in 182 games. He won the Golden Ball when they won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will again be key if they are to lift the Copa America trophy next month.
Edison Flores
Edison Flores still holds the key for Peru. The experienced forward has made 73 appearances for the national side, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists. He also scored in their 1-0 win over El Salvador in a friendly earlier this month.
If Peru are to move past the group stages, Flores will need to have a good game.
Alexis Sanchez
At 35 years old, Alexis Sanchez is still an important player for Chile. He had a decent 2023-24 season with Inter Milan, registering four goals and five assists in 33 games across competitions. He will now look to have a good Copa America 2024 as he looks for a new club this summer.
Sanchez has registered 51 goals and 41 assists in 163 games for Chile. He played the entire 90 minutes in a recent friendly against Paraguay.
Alphonso Davies
While the talk is generally around attackers, left-back Alphonso Davies has the ability to impact games on his own. The Bayern Munich star has recorded 15 goals and 18 assists in 47 appearances for Canada so far.
Davies scored a stunning goal for Bayern in their UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat against Real Madrid. Under Jesse Marsch, he is expected to retain his attacking intent and will hope to help Canada do well.
Also Read: Copa America 2024 GROUP D: Preview, Prediction, Key Players, and Key Matches To Watch
Key Games to watch in Copa America 2024 Group A
Argentina vs Canada: The tournament opener is likely to be an important game for both sides. While Argentina are the overwhelming favorites, Canada will look to put in a good performance to gain some momentum.
Argentina also lost their opening game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Saudi Arabia. While they ended up winning the trophy, they will still hope for a better start this time around.
Canada vs Chile: This match could perhaps decide the team that finishes second in the group and proceed to the knockouts. Canada are a comparatively inexperienced team with a new coach and have had less preparation.
Chile, on the other hand, has some vastly experienced players. It’s likely to be a good battle.
Copa America 2024 Group A matches
| Match | Date | Time (GMT) | Venue |
| Argentina vs Canada | June 21 | 12 am | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Peru vs Chile | June 22 | 12 am | AT&T Stadium, Texas |
| Peru vs Canada | June 25 | 10 pm | Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas |
| Chile vs Argentina | June 26 | 1 am | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Argentina vs Peru | June 30 | 12 am | Hard Rock Stadium Florida |
| Canada vs Chile | June 30 | 12 am | Inter & Co Stadium, Florida |
Copa America 2024 Predictions: Group A
- Argentina to top Group A
- Canada to finish second
- Chile to finish third
- Peru to finish at the bottom