The March international break recently finished which means it’s time for The18’s latest Copa América power rankings. The big tournament is only about three months out!
Two Concacaf teams secured the final two qualification spots with Canada and Costa Rica booking their tickets for this summer’s big event.
These rankings are based on recent performances and how we feel each team will perform in the tournament. After each person listed their top 16 teams, we aggregated the results into one official power rankings list.
Here’s our spring list for the 16 teams.
2024 Copa América power rankings — Spring edition
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Argentina
The favorites remain in the top spot. The defending regional and world champions are still the team to beat. Despite not having Lionel Messi for the March international break, Argentina still cruised to victories against the likes of El Salvador and Costa Rica. Business as usual.
Brazil
Life! Brazil finally looked like Brazil again with a win vs. England at Wembley Stadium and then an enthralling 3-3 draw with Spain at the Bernabéu. To go undefeated against two of Europe’s giants on the road is no easy feat. Also, 17-year-old Endrick looks poised for a big Copa América tournament.
Uruguay
Outside of CONMEBOL’s two giants, Uruguay are the next best team. March wasn’t too kind to Uruguay who suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast, but this team will still be a contender this summer.
Colombia
Colombia might be the hottest team in the world. They haven’t lost a game in over two years and secured an impressive victory vs. Spain and another win against Romania in March. This team is right up there with the top three.
United States
Staying at No. 5 on the list is the USMNT. A late Jamaica own goal during the Concacaf Nations League saved the Stars and Stripes from taking a plunge in the power rankings. The 2-0 victory in the final vs. Mexico restored some hope, but fans will truly find out the USMNT’s chances at Copa América in June with friendlies vs. Colombia and Brazil.
Ecuador
Ecuador could be a dark horse in Copa América, they just need to avoid getting into any more trouble off the field. In March the team made headlines after two senior players took 16-year-old Chelsea-bound Kendry Páez to a strip club in New Jersey. On the field they defeated Guatemala and lost to Italy 2-0.
Venezuela
The rising South American side also faced Italy and Guatemala in March, losing in the final minutes to the European giants 2-1 and then a disappointing 0-0 draw against the Concacaf side. Group B in Copa América (Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela and Jamaica) is ripe for the taking and Venezuela will expect to advance.
Mexico
El Tri are in crisis mode. Another disappointing defeat to the USMNT left the team and fans crushed. They have some serious issues to work on including whether to bench legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Chile
Perhaps one of the more polarizing sides in Copa América, no one seems to know what to make of this team. In World Cup qualifying they have been abysmal with one win in six tries. March saw them bounce back with a solid 3-0 victory vs. Euro-bound Albania and then a tight 3-2 defeat to Kylian Mbappé’s France. Don’t count this team out just yet.
Canada
Ticket punched. That’s all that Canada will be concerned about after edging out Trinidad and Tobago in the Copa América playoffs. This team has several world class players but just haven’t been able to recapture the flare that saw them conquer Concacaf during World Cup qualifying in 2022.
Paraguay
Paraguay didn’t partake in any friendlies during the March international break. Unless they can produce a shock result in their group (Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica) they look destined for a third or fourth-place finish. Paraguay went up in our standings more for the poor performances of others than anything they accomplished.
Jamaica
Jamaica have a major problem with their federation. When the nation’s biggest star (Leon Bailey) is boycotting the team over poor conditions and treatment you’re not left with much inspiration. The Reggae Boyz still scared the hell out of the USMNT, so not all hope is lost just yet. Who represents Jamaica this summer will be the biggest question mark.
Panama
Staying at No. 13 on the list is Panama. Los Cannaleros have a scoring conundrum. They had more possession and outshot Mexico and Jamaica in the Nations League but failed to find the back of the net in either game. This team has potential but needs to find that killer blow to become a threat.
Costa Rica
The18 owes Costa Rica an apology, we originally predicted Honduras to advance instead of Los Ticos. Costa Rica rose from the ashes of mediocrity and produced a 3-1 comeback win vs. Honduras to book a spot in this summer’s tournament. They followed that up with a 3-1 loss to Argentina, but hey, Costa Rica had a 1-0 lead at halftime. Not too shabby, Ticos.
Peru
Peru’s two victories in March weren’t the most impressive with wins against Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. We’re still struggling to overlook Peru’s miserable World Cup qualifying form of two points in six games, one goal scored and eight goals conceded.
Bolivia
If they ain’t playing in La Paz then they don’t have the sauce. In March they beat minnows Andorra 1-0 and then lost to slumping Algeria 3-2.
