THE CHANCES OF A CONCACAF TEAM WINNING COPA AMERICA 2024

Sam Mbonu

Houston, Texas - The upcoming Copa America 2024, set to be hosted by the United States, presents a unique opportunity for CONCACAF teams to compete against some of the best squads from South America. 

Copa America is historically dominated by CONMEBOL teams, this edition of the tournament will see several CONCACAF nations eager to make their mark. But what are the realistic chances of a CONCACAF team winning the prestigious trophy?

Traditionally, Copa America is the competition for CONMEBOL teams. Powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay have dominated the tournament, leaving little room for outsiders. However, including CONCACAF teams in recent editions has added an interesting dynamic.

Mexico and the United States, the two most competitive teams from the CONCACAF region, have had notable participation.

Mexico being a major soccer powerhouse in the Concacaf region has finished as runners-up twice after reaching the Copa America finals in 1993 and 2001, but they were unable to secure the title. The U.S. reached the semifinals in 1995 and 2016, showing they can compete at a high level, but clearly not this Greg Berhalter’s team.

Where do CONCACAF teams rank as Copa America favorites, not the United States National team that played against Colombia in the warm-up game, even their heroic 1-1 draw against Brazil still do not make the favorite, the Mexican team gave 9th-time Copa America winners Brazil a tough fight at Kyle Field, but their resistance was broken by the brilliance of Vini jr and the fantastic finish of young Endrick.

The United States Men's National Team can boast of a pool of talented players, including European-based stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun the U.S. team has the depth and quality to challenge top teams but it seems the technical crew has fallen short and they are facing a lot of criticisms from concern fans.

Mexico remains a formidable force as well. Despite recent struggles, they have a blend of experience and young talent. Players like Hirving Lozano, Gimenez, and Edson Álvarez provide a competitive edge, and their experience in Copa America can be invaluable.

Other CONCACAF teams, such as Canada, are also showing significant improvement. Canada’s young generation, led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, has the potential to surprise many. While they might not be immediate favorites, their rapid progress can't be overlooked.

The Canadians held France to a goalless draw and were thrashed by the Netherlands 4-0 in their two warm-up games of the Jesse Marsch era.

Even Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama are other CONCACAF teams participating in this Copa America.

While CONCACAF teams have improved significantly, the likelihood of winning the Copa America remains challenging. Brazil and Argentina, with their depth and world-class talent, are always favorites

Even though there may not be a realistic chance of any CONCACAF team winning 2024 Copa America, it will allow them to prepare and hone their team ahead of World Cup 2026 which will be co-hosted by the trio of USA, Mexico, and Canada.