Who will win the Copa America?

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An in depth look at the tournament favorites

Brazil are set to host the 46th edition of the Copa America. The world’s oldest international football competition will light up an entire continent when it gets under way on June 14th.

Many of the world’s best players will be on show and the vibrancy from the passionate fans always ensures an exhilarating tournament.

The host nation are favorites to win, with Argentina close behind. Let’s take a look at some of the front runners in contention to claim the 2019 Copa America.

Brazil

The pressure on the Brazilian national side going into any tournament is always enormous. The country comes to a standstill whenever their beloved team take to the field.

Without a major trophy since 2007 and with the extra responsibility of hosting the competition, an added level of significance has been placed on this tournament.

Star man Neymar has been ruled out of the competition with an ankle injury, so they will be relying on the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus to get their goals.

The hosts are favorites to win the Copa America however they need to make the most of their home advantage and not let it get on top of them. As always, a nation expects.

Argentina

Argentina have reached the previous two Copa America finals, suffering painful penalty shoot-out losses to Chile on both occasions.

Their squad is one of the strongest Copa America squads on paper and in Lionel Messi they possess arguably the game’s greatest ever player. All eyes will be on Messi as carries the nations’ hopes on his shoulders.

Argentina are well overdue a Copa America triumph. They are the second most successful team in the tournament’s history; only Uruguay have lifted the trophy on more occasions.

With the nation’s most recent title coming all the way back in 1993, fans and players alike are thirsty for the taste of victory once again.

Uruguay

15-time Copa America winners Uruguay are the most successful country in the history of the competition. They have consistently performed on the biggest stage in South American football and their squad suggests they can compete again this year.

Uruguay have an ideal blend of experience and youth within their ranks. Diego Godin, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez have all been playing at the highest level for over a decade now and are still performing at the very top of their game.

The likes of Rodgrio Bentancur and Lucas Torreira have come in and added a different dimension to this group of players, making them a force to be reckoned with at this year’s Copa America.

Chile

Chile won the 2015 and 2016 edition of the Copa America but their aging squad suggests that it will be difficult for them to make it three consecutive triumphs.

Star man Alexis Sanchez endured a wretched 2018/19 season for Manchester United and the hero of yesteryear looks to be well past his best.

The fact that Chile managed to win back-to-back Copa America titles does mean that you cannot rule them out this time around.

Whilst it’s hard to see them going all the way and lifting the trophy, their trademark work ethic and fight will make them feared opponents for any team.

Colombia

Colombia won the Copa America as hosts in 2001 but have had very little to shout about since then. A third-place finish in 2016 is their most notable tournament achievement in recent times.

Colombia’s ‘golden generation’ have widely been regarded as underachievers and their aging squad suggests that this could be the final Copa America for a number of their key players.

With Carlos Bacca, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado now all in their thirties, this could be Colombia’s last chance for some time to compete for the trophy.