5 darkhorses who can upset big teams at Copa America 2024
Copa America 2024 is set to start in full swing in the United States, with Argentina facing Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20. There will be a mix of emerging talents and superstars across the board.
In the 2021 edition of the competition, Argentina were the winners, with Lionel Messi leading La Albiceleste to a 1-0 win over Brazil. They notably took that form to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they drove to the final, beating France on penalties after a 3-3 draw, to lift the trophy.
Argentina aren't the only massive contenders to win this year's Copa America edition. They will likely face strong pressure from countries like Brazil, who were close to winning the last final. Uruguay will also be expected to go the distance, especially with their impressive squad that includes players like Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez.
However, on the other end are teams that are not particularly expected to impress in the competition. There are a few, though, who are capable of making a surprise run into the knockout stages and potentially even beat bigger teams. Without further ado, let's take a look at five dark horses who can cause an upset in Copa America 2024:
#5 Chile
Chile aren't particularly straight-up underdogs when you take a look at their history. La Roja have notably won two Copa America trophies in a row, beating Argentina across two finals in 2015 and the Centenario edition in 2016. Since then, though, they have dwindled, coming fourth in 2019 and only reaching the quarterfinals in 2021 when Brazil beat them 1-0.
However, they have shown the ability to beat big teams like Argentina in the past, and they can do so again, with both sides in Group A. Chile will be hoping to secure a seat in the knockout stages and push towards the final with the backing of players like Claudio Bravo who led them through their two past trophies.
#4 Panama
The last time Panama got into the Copa America, it was the Centenario edition, but they could not get past the group stage that included eventual finalists Chile and Argentina. They have never won the Cup before, and have only just made it into the group stage again for the first time since 2016.
Despite this general poor form in Copa America, the country has shown some good promise in more recent times. They have notably won six of their last 10 games across all competitions, and could potentially take this form into this tournament.
#3 Canada
Canada will have to face Argentina, Chile, and Peru in Group A of what is their first-ever Copa America. While this might mean that they have not shown the propensity to beat bigger teams in South America, they have, however, shown potential.
The final round of the FIFA World Cup CONCACAF qualifiers saw the Reds finish in first position, as they beat Mexico and USA along the way. Their most recent friendly also showed their ability, as they held World Cup finalists France to a 0-0 draw. They will hope to take that energy into the upcoming tournament.
#2 Ecuador
Ecuador may not be among the strongest favorites in the Copa America, but they are not weak either. While they have lost to Argentina and Italy in recent times, they have also beaten Chile, while picking up a total of four wins in their last six matches. Since their loss to Australia in March 2023, they have lost only thrice, twice to Argentina.
La Tri are set to face Venezuela, Jamaica, and Mexico in their group, and they have a strong chance of advancing if they continue their form. It will be a challenge, though, as they will look to win two of their games, with one potentially coming against fellow dark horses Venezuela.
#1 Venezuela
Venezuela do not have the best history in the Copa America, although they did reach the 2011 semifinals. Since then, though, it has not been an easy task for La Vinotinto. However, they are enjoying what looks to be a resurgence in recent years, having lost just twice in their last 15 games.
Only one of those games was a loss to a South American side, with draws coming against big teams like Brazil. They have to face Mexico, Jamaica, and Ecuador in their group stage and will need a strong performance if they are to get into the knockout stages.