The 2024 Copa America is finally here, and South America's best footballing nations are vying to dethrone Lionel Messi's Argentina. Can the 8-time Ballon d'Or winner lead his nation to back-to-back Copa America titles Or will Brazil's Vinicius Junior have the last word? Our matchday 1 preview is packed with expert betting tips – don't miss it!
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**Argentina vs Canada** World champions Argentina kick off their Copa America title defense against Canada in the tournament opener at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni's team clinched a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Brazil to win the trophy in 2021, and have been on an impressive run since. They defeated France on penalties in a thrilling 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, and have won 13 of their last 14 matches. That momentum continued in recent warm up games, as they defeated Ecuador 1-0 and put 4 past Guatemala in a superb attacking display, led by captain Lionel Messi. This game will be Argentina’s first meeting with Canada since cruising to a 5-0 win back in 2010. Canada are led by former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch and are set to make their debut in the Copa America, entering the tournament as one of the six CONCACAF teams. They failed to qualify directly through the CONCACAF Nations League, but sealed their place thanks to a 2-0 playoff win against Trinidad and Tobago. The Canucks will view this tournament as an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience against top opposition ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with the USA and Mexico. Marsch started his reign with a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands, but looked much better in a goalless draw with France. **Verdict: Argentina have looked imperious over the last 3 years, and with Messi, who has 10 goals in his last 10 games for the national team, still performing at a high level, our bet prediction is a big win for the defending champs.**
**Peru vs Chile** The Arlington Stadium in Texas is set to host a thrilling Group A clash between Peru and Chile on Saturday evening. Over in Peru, confidence is soaring under new manager Jorge Fossati, who has led the team to three wins and a draw in his first four matches, reversing a wretched run of 7 games without a win (L6). The Peruvians have high hopes for this tournament, especially since the last time Copa América was held in the United States, they finished top of a group that included Brazil, Haiti and Ecuador. Interestingly, Chile's head coach Ricardo Gareca previously guided Peru to the 2018 World Cup, their first appearance since 1982. Chile have won 2 out of 3 matches under Gareca, scoring 8 goals, with the only defeat coming in a friendly against France (3-2). They have had success in this competition, reaching the knockout round in their last six Copa America appearances, including the famous triumph in 2016, led by the iconic duo of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. Gareca faces pressure to replicate that success, and with Argentina also in Group A, there is very little margin for error. **Verdict: Chile are the better side and they strolled to a 2-0 win the last time both sides met in October, 2023. Our bet of the day is a low-scoring win for La Roja.**
**Mexico vs Jamaica** 2023 Gold Cup champions Mexico take on Jamaica in the second game of Group B. El Tri are considered strong favourites, thanks to a vastly superior FIFA ranking (14 – 41), and their impressive record in this fixture which stands at one loss in the last 11 head-to-head matches (W6, D4). However, head coach Jamie Lozano must reverse the recent poor form as preparations have been hampered by a string of defeats, losing three of their last four internationals and conceding nine goals. In contrast, Jamaica head into Copa America in high spirits, having won their last 3 games. They defeated Panama and the Dominican Republic by a single goal, before pulling off a thrilling 3-2 comeback against Dominica. Under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, the Reggae Boyz have been on a roll, with just two losses in their last 13 matches since July 2023. Their defense has been rock-solid, with four clean sheets in their last six games. But they'll need to be at their best to break their duck against a Mexico team they have never beaten in six previous meetings. With both teams scoring in four of their last five head-to-head matches, this promises to be a thrilling affair. **Verdict: This game has goals written all over it and Mexico’s Santiago Gimenez is a real goal-machine after scoring 26 goals in 40 games for Feyenoord last season. Our bet builder and bet prediction is a high-scoring affair with Gimenez on the scoresheet.**
**USA vs Bolivia** Host nation USA begin their Copa America campaign with an interesting matchup against Bolivia, and will be looking to start with a bang. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams, with their previous two friendlies ending in convincing victories for the USA (3-0, 4-0). The USMNT are participating in their fifth Copa America, having reached the semi-finals in 2016, and will be eager to replicate that success on home soil. They will fancy their chances of starting with a win, especially against a side with just two victories in their last 10 games (L8). Bolivia enter this clash firmly as underdogs, with their only win in six games being a 1-0 victory against Andorra in March last year, which was also the last time they scored a goal. Their poor form is reflected in their dismal record of three wins in their last 25 games (L20, D2). After losing all their group games in their last two Copa America appearances, don’t expect much from them. **Verdict: USA are the better side and our bet prediction is a comfortable win on home soil.**
**Uruguay vs Panama** 15-time Copa America winners Uruguay enter this summer’s tournament as one of the favourites, alongside Argentina and Brazil. With a talented squad, and the right blend of youth and experience, it's no wonder Marcelo Bielsa was attracted to the job. The team is star-studded too. Ronald Araujo, Jose Gimenez, Manuel Ugarte, Federico Valverde, and Darwin Nunez is as strong a spine as you can find anywhere, and when you add that to their recent form (2 defeats in 15), including wins against Brazil and Argentina, you have a team nobody wants to face. Panama, on the other hand, have struggled of late, losing three of their last five games. However, their impressive run of 8 wins in 9 matches before that stretch suggests they shouldn't be underestimated. Manager Thomas Christiansen deserves credit for leading them to the Gold Cup final last year, and he will rely on a sturdy defense that has kept 5 clean sheets in the last 10 games. They also boast the talented Adalberto Carrasquilla, who was named MVP at the Gold Cup. A well-rounded midfielder, with the potential to pose a threat to Uruguay. **Verdict: Panama will give a good account of themselves and a strong defence should keep this respectable but Uruguay will have too much in the end.**
**Colombia vs Paraguay** Colombia kick off their Copa America campaign against Paraguay, seeking to win the competition for the first time since 2001. They enter the tournament in impressive form, unbeaten in their last 15 games (W12, D3), including a crucial 2-1 win against Brazil. Head coach Nestor Lorenzo has instilled a fearless mentality in his team, employing intense high-pressure tactics and a direct approach. Los Cafeteros will rely heavily on star man Luis Díaz, who scored both goals in the qualifying victory over Brazil and could prove decisive in this opener. Paraguay come into this on the back of some poor results. Before last week’s unconvincing 1-0 friendly win over Panama, Daniel Garnero's team had managed just 1 win in 9 games (L6). They have also failed to defeat Colombia in any of the last 5 meetings which makes a winning bet prediction even harder to make. While there is some talent in the squad, it is hard to see them getting anything out of this game. **Verdict: Colombia are in excellent form at the moment, and this should only go one way. If you want the best odds, back Luis Diaz to lead Colombia to a fine win.**
**Brazil vs Costa Rica** Brazil take on Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Tuesday night at the SoFi Stadium in California. Despite being favorites to top the group, the Selecao’s recent form has been underwhelming, with only two wins in their last eight games (L3, D3). After winning four Copas between 1997 and 2007, Brazil have won only one of the past five - and that was on home soil. Nevertheless, they remain strong contenders for this title. When in full flow, Brazil can be incredible to behold, and if Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo perform to their potential, they will take some stopping. Costa Rica have been in impressive form, boasting 4 wins in their last 6 games (L1, D1), with a remarkable 7 goals scored and none conceded. All of this, achieved without the legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who retired last year. This form should instill confidence as they face the mighty Brazil. However, history is against them, with Costa Rica never having beaten the Samba Boys in 7 previous meetings, including a 2-0 loss at the 2018 World Cup. Los Ticos face the unenviable task of stopping Brazil and Colombia in Group D, and while expert betting tips suggest an early exit, stranger things have happened in football. **Verdict: Brazil will need their best players to step up but they should still have enough to defeat a decent but inexperienced Costa Rica and land our full time prediction.**
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