Group A: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Peru
Game to watch: Argentina vs. Peru | June 26 | 8 p.m. ET
This Group A showdown features Lionel Messi and the defending Copa America and World Cup champions. Argentina earned the 2021 title with a 1-0 win over rival Brazil, and then followed up a year later with a heart-stopping World Cup victory over France, sealing Messi’s legacy as the greatest of all-time.Â
Peru has won twice and played to a draw twice in its last four matches, but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying last October. It’s a good bet Argentina advances, but this match could be what separates Peru from advancing or going home.
Who advances : Argentina and Peru
Group B: Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Venezuela
Game to watch: Mexico vs. Ecuador | June 30 | 5 p.m. ET
Mexico and Ecuador will meet in the both teams’ final match of group play and it should decide who wins the group. Group B is top heavy with Jamaica and Venezuela outside the top 50 FIFA world rankings. A desert showdown between these two will decide who they play in the quarterfinals. Think that either team will be content to just advance? Think again. The loser of this match will most likely meet Argentina in the quarters.
Who advances: Mexico and Ecuador
Group C: Bolivia, Panama, United States, Uruguay
Game to watch: United States vs. Panama | June 27 | 6 p.m. ET
Uruguay looks to be the favorite in Group C and the United States should have a solid chance to advance out of group play as well. The Americans will face Uruguay July 1 in the final group play match, but before they get there they must take care of business against Panama.
Panama defeated the U.S. in penalty kicks last July in the Gold Cup and has won two of the last three meetings between the sides. This will once again be a matchup with big implications.
Who advances: Uruguay and United States
Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay
Game to watch: Brazil vs. Colombia | July 2 | 6 p.m.
This should be a fun one. Brazil is ranked fifth in FIFA world rankings, while Colombia is 12. It’s another matchup that should decide the group and will have big implications on who the United States faces in the quarterfinals should it advance.
The sides met in November during World Cup qualifying and Colombia came away a 2-1 winner. Since then, Brazil has gone 2-1-2, scoring eight goals in that span while giving up seven.
Who advances: Brazil and ColombiaÂ