- A historic CONMEBOL Copa América™ Group Stage is nearing its close, here is a list of some of the biggest moments so far in this year's competition.
- The Quarterfinals of the competition are next and begin on July 4th.
By the time July 3rd rolls around, 22 matches will have already taken place at CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. It’s been a historic, entertaining and special tournament so far, and it’s only getting started, but here is a look back at some of the tournament’s biggest moments so far for each team.
"The Group Stage of the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ has concluded, bringing great joy to the teams that advanced, disappointment and a hunger for revenge for those that didn't, and strong emotions for all of us who love football. The fans responded by filling the stadiums with color and passion, and breaking attendance records. And now we enter the final stretch of a tournament that is already unforgettable in the history of the sport. Best of luck to the qualifying teams," declared Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL.
Argentina
The defending champions enjoyed a perfect start to their CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. After three games, La Albiceleste collected 9 points, winning all of their matches without conceding a single goal. Next up they’ll face Ecuador in the Quarterfinals on July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Argentina include:
- Lionel Messi broke the tournament’s appearance record.
- Young Striker Julian Alvarez scored his first ever goal in the competition.
- Messi makes good on his return to MetLife Stadium against Chile.
- Lautaro Martínez tops the tournament’s goalscoring charts after three games.
Bolivia
La Verde bid farewell to the tournament with three defeats in Zago's first major competition in charge of the Bolivian national team.
Brasil
The Canarinha has enjoyed some huge tournament debuts from their young stars and after drawing Costa Rica in their first match, found their footing against Paraguay in their second and secured qualification to the Quarterfinals (where they will face Uruguay on July 6) after a draw with Colombia. Additionally, Vinicious Jr, a superstar at Real Madrid, seems to have brought his club form to the national team this tournament, a welcome sight to all Brazilian fans.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Brazil include:
- Vinicius Junior enjoyed a breakout performance against Paraguay, scoring his first and second ever goals in the competition.
- Young phenom Endrick made his CONMEBOL Copa América™ debut, making him Brazil’s youngest player to appear in the tournament in the 21st century.
Canada
What a tournament it’s been for the Great White North. Canada’s first appearance at CONMEBOL Copa América™ has turned into one of the national team’s greatest achievements already. The Concacaf team qualified for the Quarterfinals on their first try, and will face Venezuela on July 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Canada include:
- Head Coach Jesse Marsch predicting his team’s future success after a tough opening round defeat to Argentina
- Jonathan David scored Canada’s first ever goal in the competition.
- The Canadians became only the third invitee to the tournament to qualify for the knockout rounds on their first try.
Chile
La Roja played yet another edition, perhaps the last one with its two-time winning Golden Generation players.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Chile include:
- Claudio Bravo became the oldest player to play in the tournament this century.
- Head Coach Ricardo Gareca faced his former team, Peru.
Colombia
The cafeteros qualified for the Quarterfinals with a game to go after winning their first two matches against Paraguay and Costa Rica. With some great performances, Colombia gave its fans plenty to party during its matches in the United States, while managing to end top of Group D after a draw with Brazil.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Colombia include:
- Already qualifying for the Quarterfinals after two matches.
- Extending their fantastic 25 match unbeaten streak into the tournament (already increased to 26).
- The rebirth of captain James Rodriguez, who has three assists in only two games so far.
Costa Rica
Replacing a legend is never easy, and that’s exactly what Los Ticos have had to do this tournament. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas was absent from Costa Rica’s starting XI in their first match against Brazil, after retiring from international duty just before the competition began. This just made Costa Rica’s defensive performance in their 2024 debut all the more impressive.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Costa Rica include:
- Holding Brazil scoreless in their opening match of the competition.
- Ending their participation with a 2-1 win over Paraguay.
Ecuador
If there’s a will, there’s a way, and Ecuador battled hard in Group B to qualify for the Quarterfinals after a trio of tough games against Venezuela, Mexico and Jamaica. After losing their opening match to Venezuela, La Tri rebounded against Jamaica winning 3-1 before drawing against Mexico to earn the final qualification spot in their group. Ecuador will play Argentina on July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston Texas to begin the knockout rounds.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Ecuador include:
- Youngster Kendry Paez scored his first ever goal at CONMEBOL Copa América™ at the age of 17.
- They qualified for the Quarterfinals, earning second place in Group B.
United States
The host nation had a rollercoaster of a time during their fifth appearance at the oldest national team tournament in the world. It all started with an opening match 2-0 victory against Bolivia before falling to Concacaf opponents Panama 2-1 in the second game and bowing out of the competition after losing to Uruguay in the Group Stage finale. Despite the disappointment of leaving the tournament early, the USA still had some memorable moments.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for the United States include:
- After making his CONMEBOL Copa América™ debut in 2016, USA Captain Christian Pulisic scored his first goal in the competition.
- The goal he scored against Bolivia was the country’s fastest in their history of the tournament.
Jamaica
The island nation exited the tournament after three games following losses to Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela but the Reggae Boyz showed plenty of fight during their time at CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. They also went home from this year’s edition after making history.
A highlight of the Group Stage for Jamaica:
- Jamaica scored their first ever goal at CONMEBOL Copa América™ thanks to Michail Antonio’s strike against Ecuador in the second match.
Mexico
A new generation of Mexican players entered CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ under head coach Jamie Lozano. Gone were the faces that many fans would instantly recognize such as Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Herrera and Chuky Lazono as Lorenzo aimed for a refresh. It bred mixed results at the tournament as El Tri finished with a win over Jamaica, a loss to Venezuela and a draw against Ecuador. In the end it wasn’t enough to get out of Group C. That being said, plenty of the new generation of Mexican players gained valuable experience.
A highlight of the Group Stage for Mexico:
- During Mexico’s first match against Jamaica, 16 of their players made their CONMEBOL Copa América™ debuts, ushering in a new generation to the world’s oldest national team tournament.
Panama
The Concacaf nation has written one of the great stories of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, rocking the continent with some massive moments. Los Canaleros made history, and moments that those following the team at home and abroad will remember forever. For Panama, it’s only just getting started as well, as they earn a spot in the Quarterfinals against the winner of Group D on July 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Panama:
- Los Canaleros reached the competition's Quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
- Defeated the United States’ in one of the country’s finest matches to help reach their qualification.
Paraguay
La Albirroja battled hard in one of the tournament’s most difficult groups alongside Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica. Paraguay gave Colombia a scare in the opening match, and fought hard against Brazil in their second before closing its participation against Costa Rica.
A highlight of the Group Stage for Paraguay:
- Young starlet Julio Enciso scored his first ever goal at CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, which surely won’t be his last.
Peru
The Peruvians, alongside talisman Paolo Guerrero, did their country proud in a very tough Group A. Peru’s strong defense was a highlight during La Bicolor’s run during CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. The tournament for Peru started with a 0-0 draw against Chile and their former manager, Ricardo Gareca, before losing hard-fought matches against Canada and Argentina to close out the Group Stage.
A highlight of the Group Stage for Peru:
- Paolo Guerrero broke the record for the most appearances for his national team in the competition on the final matchday against Argentina.
- Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese added appearances and is now included in the all-time ranking of players with more matches played in the world's oldest national teams tournament.
Uruguay
La Celeste were one of three teams during the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ Group Stage to have reached nine points by winning all three of their matches. Uruguay have enjoyed a terrific start to the tournament, with a combination of a high flying offense and a very strong defense. The Uruguyans have scored the most goals of the Group Stage so far with 10, and have only conceded one. They will play Brazil in the Quarterfinals on July 6 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Uruguay:
- Head Coach Marcelo Bielsa made a triumphant return to the competition after 20 years.
- Won all three of their matches, including defeating the tournament's hosts in the final match.
Venezuela
It’s been a historic start to the competition for La Vinotinto, who have had a wonderful beginning to the tournament. Venezuela won all three of their first matches at the competition for the first time in history as they defeated Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica. Fernando Batista’s men have been one of the tournament’s best stories as they’ve flown into the Quarterfinals where they’ll face Canada on July 5 at AT&T Stadium.
Some highlights of the Group Stage for Venezuela:
- Venezuela recorded their first ever come-from-behind victory in the competition against Ecuador in their opening match.
- Striker Salomon Rondon nears multiple competition records with his national team.
- Won three straight matches in the tournament for the first time.
