Copa America: Five can’t miss games as USMNT, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina get set to kick off across America

Copa América starts this Thursday with world champion and defending champion Argentina starting the tournament against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It won’t be until Sunday before the USMNT come into play at home at AT&T Stadium, but we’re in for a two-week period of loaded rosters as the Copa América and UEFA Euro 2024 mix this summer, but let’s focus on the games that you can’t lose in the group stage in the USA

Group A: Argentina x Canada

• Date: Thursday, June 20th | Time: 8pm ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• To attend: FS1, Univision, TUDN or Fubo (Try it for free)

Regardless of the fact that the USMNT is not starting its own tournament due to Argentina’s status as defending champions, it will be Canada who will face Lionel Messi and his teammates in Arlington, Texas in our first offering. It’s not just the excitement of the first meeting, there’s also the fact that Jesse Marsch is making his competitive debut as a Canadian coach in charge of Albiceleste, needing time to move forward before winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Could we see a disturbing result to kick off Group A?

Group C: USMNT x Bolivia

• Date: Sunday, June 23 | Time: 6pm ET
• Location: AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas, USA
• To attend: FOX, Univision, TUDN or Fubo (Try it for free)

A few days later, the USMNT will finally enter the fray and their Group C opener against Bolivia – on paper – should be a smooth entry. Gregg Berhalter’s men were recently caught by Colombia, which suggested some potential difficulties against South American opponents, so it is absolutely critical that the Americans start strong in Texas. Failure to do so could jeopardize first place in Group C, which would almost certainly put the U.S. on a collision course with Brazil or Colombia as winners of Group D. It must be said that first or second place will theoretically bring quarterfinals. challenging finals, but the hope is that some surprising results and performers could present a totally different knockout stage once some group results are known.

Group B: Mexico x Ecuador

• Date: Sunday, June 30 | Time: 8pm ET
• Location: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona, USA
• To attend: FOX, Univision, TUDN or Fubo (Try it for free)

Preparation for the Copa América has not been ideal for the Mexicans and Group B looks much more difficult despite only being home to Ecuador, Jamaica and Venezeula – and not big names like Argentina or Brazil. El Tri are in a difficult situation now, but knowing the Reggae Boyz opponents first, before La Vinotinto could prepare Jaime Lozano’s men perfectly for the third and final group game against La Tri. Ecuador could decide whether Mexico finishes first or second, which would be the difference between potentially facing Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Group C: USMNT x Uruguay

• Date: Monday, July 1st | Time: 9pm ET
• Location: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• To attend: FS1, Univision, TUDN or Fubo (Try it for free)

Although the debut against Bolivia is important for the USMNT, the third and final game against Uruguay is undoubtedly the most decisive. Top spot could be on the line at that point against Marcelo Bielsa’s Celeste and the likely result and future opponents in the quarter-finals mean this could be a game to decide which team avoids Brazil straight out of the group stage. On paper, the Uruguayans should be the tough nut to crack and familiarity with Panama dictates that the South American duo of Bolivia and Uruguay are likely to be the trap for the USA in Group C.

Group D: Brazil x Colombia

• Date: Tuesday, July 2nd | Time: 9pm ET
• Location: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California, USA
• To attend: FS1, Univision, TUDN or Fubo (Try it for free)

Probably the most appetizing game of the entire group stage is saved for last, with two of South America’s most entertaining nations facing off in California. Brazil vs. Colombia in Group D is expected to not only dictate who finishes first and second – which logically means they will face the USMNT in the quarter-finals – but also puts them both in a potential high-stakes scenario that could mean they Any unexpected results against countries like Paraguay or Costa Rica could result in a surprise and elimination for one of the two.