Copa América 2028: Early Favorites and What We Learned from 2024
July 2026 — The 2024 Copa América felt like a passing of the torch. Argentina defended their title, but the tournament belonged to the next generation. With 2028 on the horizon — hosted by Ecuador — the South American landscape is shifting fast.
Argentina: The Last Dance?
Messi will be 41 in 2028. He’s not ruled out another tournament — he’s never ruled out anything — but Argentina’s transition is already underway. Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández are the new spine. The 2026 World Cup performance will determine how much of the old guard carries over. If Argentina lift the trophy in New Jersey, expect a wave of retirements. If they fall short, Messi might want one more shot at a Copa on South American soil.
Brazil: The Talent Pipeline Is Still Overflowing
Endrick will be 21 in 2028, entering his prime. Vitor Roque, Estêvão, and Luis Guilherme will all be established professionals. Brazil’s problem isn’t talent — it never is. It’s organization. The 2024 Copa América quarterfinal exit to Uruguay exposed the same structural issues that have plagued the Seleção since 2010. Dorival Júnior has two years to build a system that works. The 2026 World Cup is the dress rehearsal. 2028 is the exam.
The Contenders
Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa have been South America’s most entertaining team. Darwin Núñez, Federico Valverde, and Ronald Araújo form a world-class spine. If Bielsa stays through 2028 — and his contract runs to 2027 — Uruguay could win their first Copa since 2011.
Colombia reached the 2024 final and haven’t regressed. Luis Díaz remains their talisman. The midfield is deep and physical. Néstor Lorenzo has built a team that’s hard to beat and dangerous in transition — precisely the formula that wins knockout tournaments.
USA and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup, and both federations are investing heavily in youth development ahead of 2028. The USMNT’s core — Pulisic, Reyna, McKennie, Adams — will be in their late 20s. Mexico’s 2026 World Cup performance will set the tone. Both nations view the 2028 Copa as a chance to prove 2026 wasn’t a one-off.
Ecuador 2028: What to Expect
Ecuador is the highest-altitude host in Copa América history. Quito sits at 2,850 meters. Teams that don’t prepare for altitude will suffer. The 2024 tournament demonstrated that high-pressing systems break down above 2,500 meters. Expect more conservative tactics, more squad rotation, and more late goals as defenses tire in thin air.