Copa America: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The 2024 Copa America gets underway on Thursday, with 16 teams - made up of sides from both North and South America - set to do battle in the 48th edition of the competition. 

World champions Argentina will get the chance to defend their Copa America crown this summer, but replicating Spain’s sensational achievement of sandwiching global glory between consecutive continental successes may prove a difficult task for Lionel Scaloni’s men. 

A fair few of their players endured tumultuous campaigns while Lionel Messi may not be able to drag them through another tournament like he did in Qatar, with the Argentine superstar nearly 37 years of age. 

There are plenty of talented sides heading to the USA, who themselves will fancy their chances on home soil, from Colombia to Uruguay to Brazil. It promises to be an enthralling tournament, making for an exciting betting prospect.

Copa America betting picks and predictions

Brazil to win the Copa America (+225)

Brazil were the runners-up at the last Copa America in 2021, losing 1-0 to their bitter rivals Argentina in the final on home soil, but they can enact their revenge on the world champions this time around. 

The Selecao endured a disappointing World Cup, crashing out on penalties to Croatia in the quarter-finals when many had tipped them for outright glory, but they look even better equipped for tournament success now, with some holes from 18 months ago having been plugged.

There was an age issue in defence in Qatar as then 38-year-old Thiago Silva was still a starter, but Brazil seem set for a more resolute campaign this summer.

Both Gabriel and Lucas Beraldo have emerged as suitable partners for Marquinhos at centre-back since, which should help massively in the States as the last Copa America was the lowest-scoring edition to date, with just 2.04 goals per game. 

A solid backline, made stronger by Alisson’s presence in net, should provide the cornerstone for greatness in the USA and their exceptional attacking depth will only help them build on those foundations. 

Vinicius Junior highlighted his aptitude for the biggest stages when netting in the Champions League final for the second time in his fledgling career earlier this month and he will undoubtedly be Brazil’s main man this summer. 

He will be joined in the front three by Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo, while Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Barcelona’s Raphinha also represent elite attacking options.

However, it is through the middle where the biggest change is afoot, as it seems Brazil may have finally filled the Ronaldo-shaped void at striker which has plagued them for years.

Real Madrid-bound Endrick has burst onto the international scene, despite being only 17-years-old, netting three goals in six games. That record is made more impressive when considering the youngster is yet to start a match for his country, meaning his strikes against Mexico, Spain and England - three sides inside the top 15 of FIFA's world rankings - all came from the bench. 

Endrick could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Brazil, whose team is stacked with stars from top to bottom, and they look well set for Copa America glory. 

Selecao manager Dorival Junior is unbeaten through his four games in charge and he knows what it takes to win trophies having masterminded Flamengo’s 2022 Copa Libertadores triumph, suggesting the Samba Stars are the side to beat this summer. 

Darwin Nunez to be top goalscorer (+500)

Another side prominent in the betting for the 2024 Copa America is Uruguay, and it is easy to see why. 

With Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte in the engine room, La Celeste have one of the best midfields at the tournament. While in defence, La Liga pair Jose Maria Gimenez and Ronald Araujo represent top-tier centre-back options.

However, with attacking-football enthusiast and coaching pioneer Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, it is up front where they are likely to do the most damage. The legendary Argentine has always coached his sides to play in a chaotic attacking style, as shown most prominently when Leeds boss a few years back. 

Labelled a visionary by some and a mad-man by others, his attacking style can bring out the best in teams and especially players, which is exactly why Liverpool’s maverick striker Darwin Nunez could set the Copa America alight this summer. 

Nunez has struggled for consistency at Anfield, but his relentless energy and tendency to get shots away regularly makes him the perfect mould of striker for a Bielsa system.

The Liverpool forward has scored eight goals in his seven Uruguay appearances since Bielsa took charge and after netting in recent games against Brazil and Argentina and bagging a hat-trick against Mexico earlier in the month, he looks a big price to top score at this summer’s tournament.

La Celeste have landed in a favourable group alongside the USA, Panama and Bolivia and he could rack up the goals early on, even if the 15-time winners do not make it much further after.

Christian Pulisic top USA goalscorer (+450)

The USA will be looking to enjoy a successful tournament on home soil, and their captain Christian Pulisic will need to be at his brilliant best if they are to achieve that as goals are not guaranteed from the Stars and Stripes’ striking options. 

Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi will battle it out for the striker spot, but none have been particularly prolific at club or international level in recent times so the USMNT will look to their skipper for inspiration. 

As the three strikers will battle for minutes, their goals will likely be shared about, making Pulsiic, who is guaranteed to start, a solid bet to top-score for the hosts. 

Pulisic is coming off the back of a strong season with AC Milan where he notched 12 goals and eight assists in Serie A and he boasts an exceptional record for his nation, netting 29 times in 58 games for the USA. 

Most importantly, however, is the fact that 18 of those 29 goals have come in the United States. With the 2024 Copa America being held on home soil, Pulisic could ride the wave of the crowds and give the Stars and Stripes’ fans plenty to cheer about this summer.

Read more betting picks and predictions for soccer on site.

Copa America outright odds

Argentina	+175
Brazil	+225
Uruguay	+500
Mexico	+1100
Colombia	+1200
USA	+1200

Read a full breakdown of the Copa America outright odds on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.