The Copa América is one of the oldest and most prestigious soccer competitions in the world, bringing together South American teams in a tournament that mixes tradition and rivalry. With all this excitement approaching, we’ve created this guide to all about the Copa América. This way, you’ll know the rules, the teams taking part and how the tournament works. Everything for you to follow and cheer for!
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What is the history of the America’s Cup? When did it come about?
The Copa América had its first edition in 1916, in Argentina, as part of the celebrations for the centenary of the country’s independence. The tournament, initially called the South American Team Championship, was organized by the newly created South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), and had Uruguay as the first champion team.
The country even won the first four editions of what would become the Copa América in 1975.
Read also: How to bet on the Copa Libertadores at Betano in 2024
How does the America’s Cup work?
The Copa América works in two stages: the first group stage and the second knockout stage. In the group stage, 16 teams are divided into four groups of four teams, and all play against everyone in their group. The top two advance to the knockout stages.
The knockout phase is a knockout system, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, and the teams play just one knockout match, in which the team that loses is eliminated. The winner goes through to the next round;
To understand all about the Copa America, it’s worth noting that if the match ends in a draw in regulation time, the games will go into extra time and a penalty shootout, if necessary, to determine the winner.
What are the rules of the America’s Cup?
The rules of the Copa America are based on those established by FIFA, with a few peculiarities:
- The tournament consists of a qualifying group stage, followed by knockout stages (quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place play-off and final).
- Each time the winning team wins, they accumulate 3 points. In the event of a draw, each team earns 1 point. In the event of a defeat, the team scores no points;
- Each match has two halves of 45 minutes, with the possibility of extra time and penalties in the knockout stages in the event of a draw.
- Per match, each team will be able to make up to five substitutions (six in the case of extra time). In addition, CONMEBOL has added an amendment to take care of players’ health. This extra substitution can be made in the event of suspected head trauma and brain concussion, regardless of the five (5) substitutions mentioned above. In this case, the coach must notify the referee who will indicate the pink card;
- Play-off criteria in the Group Stage: Points won, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head.
- Call-ups: Each team can call up to 23 players, including three goalkeepers.
Copa America rules on the new pink card
If you follow the basics of the rules of football, you know that the referees have two cards to issue warnings to players: the red card and the yellow card;
According to the new rules, incorporated into Article 96, when the coach suspects that one of the players has suffered a concussion, he must inform one of the referees. The pink card is then activated to allow the new substitution.
The substituted player may not return to the pitch and must be taken to the dressing room or a medical center;
CONMEBOL also requires the team doctor to send a health report within 24 hours of the end of the match.
Having understood all about the Copa America and its rules, let’s move on to analyzing the 2024 competition.
What are the groups for Copa América 2024?
The 2024 Copa America groups have been drawn and the qualifying round brackets are as follows:
- GROUP A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
- GROUP B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela , Jamaica
- GROUP C: United States, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
- GROUP D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
Also read: How to bet on soccer at Betano: tips, competitions, odds and more
As we said above, the teams face all the teams in their group and the two best-placed teams in each group go through to the knockout stages;
All about the Copa América 2024
The 2024 Copa América takes place between June 20 and July 14. The edition marks a partnership between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, further increasing the competitiveness of the tournament and broadening its audience reach;
CONCACAF is the confederation that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica;
Therefore, with the participation of these teams in the Copa America, we are facing a tournament with even greater weight for the continent.
Where will the 2024 Copa América be held?
The 2024 Copa América will be held in the United States, marking the second time the country has hosted the tournament (the first was in 2016, in the special centenary edition). In addition, there is already speculation that the 2028 competition will also be held in the North American country, which will also host the 2026 World Cup.
One curiosity about the Copa America in 2024 is that the size of the pitch for the matches will be smaller than what the players are used to;
The pitches for the 2024 Copa América will be 100 meters long by 64 meters wide, while the pitch is usually 105m by 68m. This standard is not only seen in Brazil, but also in Europe;
With this difference, we will have a total of 740m² less than the standard for elite tournaments;
Even so, the pitches are within Fifa’s regulations, which state that official international matches should be played on pitches 100m to 110m long and 64m to 75m wide.
Which teams will play in the Copa America 2024?
The Copa América will be attended by teams from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- United States
- Ecuador
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Which venues will host the 2024 Copa América?
Continuing in the guide with all about the Copa America, it is worth noting that the opening of the Copa America will be on June 20, in Atlanta, while the final is scheduled for July 14, in Miami. In addition, the host cities for the Copa America in the United States are:
- New York/New Jersey
- Dallas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Charlotte
- Houston
- Atlanta
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- Glendale
- Orlando
- Austin
Stay tuned to the matches so you don’t miss any of the competition’s action;
Curiosities about the Copa América
Who are the greatest Copa America champions?
The teams that have won the Copa América the most times are:
- Argentina(15) – 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959-I, 1991, 1993 e 2021
- Uruguay (15) – 15 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959-II, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995 e 2011
- Brazil (9) – 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007 e 2019
- Chile (2) – 2015 e 2016
- Paraguay (2) – 1953 and 1979
- Peru (2) – 1939 e 1975
Who are the top scorers at the Copa America?
The Copa América’s top scorers are:
- Norberto Méndez (Argentina) – 17 goals
- Zizinho (Brazil) – 17 goals
- Teodoro Fernández (Peru) – 15 goals
- Severino Varela (Uruguay) – 15 goals
- Eduardo Vargas (Chile) – 14 goals
- Paolo Guerrero (Peru) – 14 goals
So, now that you know all about the Copa America, do you have any guesses as to who will beat the record of these stars? It’s worth noting that Lionel Messi has 13 goals and will probably be with Argentina in the 2024 competition. Can he reach the top of this list?What’s your bet?
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