Group A
United States
The U.S. will be making its first appearance at the Copa America since 2007, when an admittedly third-string squad (the first team won the Gold Cup that summer) failed to earn a single point. This time around, expectations will be greater on home soil, and anything less than a quarterfinal berth would be a major disappointment.
How They Qualified:
Host Nation
It has been a strange year for the U.S., as friendly victories over Germany and the Netherlands segued into a disappointing showing at the 2015 Gold Cup, where the U.S. was bounced by Jamaica in the semifinals, and defeat in the CONCACAF Cup against Mexico. As Jurgen Klinsmann continues to shuffle his squad in search of the right balance, it remains to be seen how things will shape up this summer.
How They'll Proceed:
The tournament's 16-team format naturally means there are no easy games, but the U.S. did receive one of the tougher groups. Progression will be the major objective.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Brad Guzan DF: DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson MF: Bobby Wood, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Alejandro Bedoya FW: Clint Dempsey, Gyasi Zardes
Key Player:
Jozy Altidore
The burden would naturally have fallen on Altidore but his injury and subsequent withdrawal leaves an intriguing void up front. Riddled by injuries in Brazil two years ago and at last summer's Gold Cup, the way in which the U.S. replace him will be critical.
Manager:
Jurgen Klinsmann
The German took over for Bob Bradley in August 2011 and led the U.S. to a Gold Cup title in 2013 and the 2014 World Cup last-16. However, losses in the 2015 Gold Cup semifinals and the CONCACAF Cup have Klinsmann under pressure.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Colombia
June 3, 9:30 p.m ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
The two sides have played 17 times, with Colombia winning 11. The last U.S. win: 3-0 in a 2005 friendly.
Game 2 vs. Costa Rica
June 7, 8 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
Costa Rica has won three of the past five meetings against the U.S., including a 1-0 victory in October at Red Bull Stadium.
Game 3 vs. Paraguay
June 11, 7 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
The two sides last met in 2011, with Paraguay winning 1-0.
Group A
Colombia
Colombia is looking to regain their attacking zeal from the 2014 World Cup. A spot in the tournament's final would be a great accomplishment for this talented squad.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Colombia have tapered off since their superb run at the 2014 World Cup. They currently sit in fifth place out of 10 teams in CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifying, with losses to Uruguay and Argentina causing further gloom.
How They'll Proceed:
The relative toughness of this group and Colombia's dipping performance are reflected in their reduced odds to top the group. That said, anything less than progress to the knockouts would be cause for concern.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: David Ospina DF: Frank Fabra, Jeison Murillo, Cristian Zapata, Santiago Arias MF: James Rodriguez, Carlos Sanchez, Sebastian Perez, Juan Cuadrado FW: Carlos Bacca, Dayro Moreno
Key Player:
James Rodriguez
Two summers ago in Brazil, James spearheaded Colombia's entertaining run to the quarterfinals. His surgical passing skills and wicked left foot will be needed if Colombia harbor hopes of a title.
Manager:
Jose Pekerman
The experienced Argentine has been at the helm since January 2012, leading los Cafeteros to the 2014 World Cup, their first since 1998. After losing to Argentina in the 2015 Copa quarterfinals, Pekerman will want to see a deeper run in 2016.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. U.S.
June 3, 9.30 p.m. ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
The two sides met at the 2007 Copa America, with Colombia winning 1-0 on a goal from Jaime Castrillon.
Game 2 vs. Paraguay
June 7, 10.30 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Colombia have won four of the past five meetings with Paraguay.
Game 3 vs. Costa Rica
June 11, 9 p.m. ET
NRG Stadium, Houston
Colombia have won nine of 13 meetings with Costa Rica all time, outscoring Los Ticos 25 to 13.
Group A
Costa Rica
The Ticos were surprise quarterfinalists at the 2014 World Cup, and another run to the final eight of this tournament would also be a feather in Costa Rica's cap.
How They Qualified:
Winners of 2014 Copa Centroamericana
Costa Rica beat Guatemala for the right to play in this summer's grand tournament and are progressing nicely on all fronts, with three wins and one draw to open their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign and an exhibition win over the U.S. in October. The benefits of a settled XI are obvious.
How They'll Proceed:
The odds still put them in the "underdog" category despite their solid form during the past two to three years. It remains to be seen if the likes of Colombia will underestimate their capabilities.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Patrick Pemberton DF: Kendall Waston, Michael Umana, Cristian Gamboa, Oscar Duarte, Johnny Acosta MF: Bryan Ruiz, Johan Venegas, Celso Borges FW: Joel Campbell, Alvaro Saborio
Key Player:
Bryan Ruiz
His performance on the pitch with incisive runs in attack, combined with his leadership, make the former Fulham man the cog in the Costa Rican wheel.
Manager:
Oscar Ramirez
This is the first national team job for the former Alajuelense boss, but as one of Costa Rica's most respected club managers, there should be no drop-off from the Ticos under Ramirez.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Paraguay
June 4, 5 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
The sides drew 0-0 in a March 2015 friendly.
Game 2 vs. U.S.
June 7, 8 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
The Ticos have a favorable record against the U.S. in recent years, winning five and drawing two of their past 10 meetings.
Game 3 vs. Colombia
June 11, 9 p.m. ET
NRG Stadium, Houston
The last time Costa Rica beat Colombia: a 1-0 victory on June 19, 1980.
Group A
Paraguay
La Albirroja emerged from the 2015 Copa America with a great degree of credit, having beaten Brazil and drawn Argentina and Uruguay. They're a canny, resilient team that everyone underestimates. They'll expect to advance from the group and would fancy their chances against Group B in the quarterfinal.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Paraguay are currently seventh in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with two wins, three draws and one defeat in their first six games. Though it's unclear if they'll bring a full-strength squad or something more experimental to the U.S., they'll be a team to watch when it comes to a deep tournament run.
How They'll Proceed:
Paraguay are definitely the outsiders in Group A. Can they overcome that perception this summer?
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Antony Silva DF: Bruno Valdez, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio MF: Robert Pires Da Motta, Victor Caceres, Richard Ortiz FW: Derlis Gonzalez, Nelson Valdez, Edgar Benitez
Key Player:
Lucas Barrios
The 30-year-old striker was expected to lead the line but Roque Santa Cruz has retained his squad spot. Seattle Sounders forward Nelson Valdez is the man trusted to convert chances.
Manager:
Ramon Diaz
The 56-year-old Argentine enjoyed a prolific career as a striker but is known as more of a pragmatist since taking over Paraguay in 2014. His aggressive, compact approach results in plenty of possession for his talented attack.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Costa Rica
June 4, 5 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
The two teams have met before in a Copa America: Paraguay lost 1-0 to Costa Rica in the 2004 tournament.
Game 2 vs. Colombia
June 7, 10.30 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Paraguay beat Colombia 5-0 in the 2007 Copa America, with Roque Santa Cruz scoring a hat trick.
Game 3 vs. U.S.
June 11, 7 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Paraguay beat the United States 3-1 in the 2007 Copa America group stage . . . but lost 3-0 to the U.S. at the 1930 World Cup.
Group B
Brazil
After two successive summers of disappointment, all eyes will be on the pragmatic Dunga to return the Selecao to their eye-catching best -- and hopefully deliver the nation's first meaningful trophy since the 2007 Copa America.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Which Brazil will show up in the U.S. this summer? After the team was bounced out of the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup in humiliating fashion, Dunga's persistence with cautious football is becoming intolerable among the fans. Can they rediscover some Neymar-led flair?
How They'll Proceed:
The draw was kind to the struggling Selecao and as a result, they're heavily tipped for the knockout stages despite their inconsistent form.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Alisson DF: Dani Alves, Miranda, Marquinhos, Filipe Luis CDM: Luiz Gustavo, Elias AM: Willian, Lucas Lima, Philipp Coutinho FW: Hulk
Key Player:
Douglas Costa
Douglas Costa was ready to dominate given Neymar's absence but now, the creative thrust might fall to Philippe Coutinho.
Manager:
Dunga
Often criticized for his heavily defensive management style, the combative former Selecao captain (and two-time Copa America winner) needs to convince fans and media alike that he can lead Brazil into the next World Cup cycle.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Ecuador
June 4, 10 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Brazil have won 12 Copa America games against Ecuador.
Game 2 vs. Haiti
June 8, 7.30 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
Brazil have faced Haiti twice, winning 4-0 in 1974 and 6-0 in 2004.
Game 3 vs. Peru
June 12, 8.30 p.m. ET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Brazil beat Peru 2-1 in the 2015 Copa America.
Group B
Ecuador
It could be a summer of trials and transitions for Ecuador, which has disappointed in the past two World Cups and failed to advance to the knockout round at the 2015 Copa America despite beating Mexico 2-1 in their final group game. Simply reaching the quarterfinals would be a step in the right direction.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
A settled team hasn't been a successful team for some time. That said, it's hard to imagine them not reaching the knockout rounds.
How They'll Proceed:
Competing with Haiti and Peru makes Ecuador a fancied runner-up in the group.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Alexander Dominguez DF: Juan Paredes, Gabriel Achilier, Fricson Erazo, Walter Ayovi MF: Antonio Valencia, Cristian Noboa, Carlos Gruezo, Jefferson Montero FW: Miler Bolanos, Enner Valencia
Key Player:
Enner Valencia
The pacey striker has a knack for goals, scoring twice in last summer's Copa and contributing to West Ham's impressive season. But a string of ankle injuries have slowed him; can he regain full fitness in time?
Manager:
Gustavo Quinteros
On the job only since 2015, with stints at Bolivia and Ecuadorian club Emelec in recent years, his approach might be to let his array of attacking talent figure things out on the pitch.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Brazil
June 4, 10 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Ecuador have won just twice in 29 all-time matches against Brazil.
Game 2 vs. Peru
June 8, 10 p.m. ET
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Ecuador lost 10 of their first 11 games against Peru, but have won four and drawn one in their past six meetings.
Game 3 vs. Haiti
June 12, 6:30 p.m. ET
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
The two sides haven't met since 2008, when Ecuador won 3-1 in a friendly.
Group B
Haiti
Haiti will be massive underdogs to emerge from the group stage, so reaching the final group-stage match with a chance at advancement would be a solid objective.
How They Qualified:
Winner of qualifying playoff
Haiti stunned Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 on Jan. 8, with an 83rd minute goal from young striker Kervens Fils Belfort to book their spot in this summer's tournament.
How They'll Proceed:
Haiti are the ultimate tournament outsiders this summer; they have the smallest chance of advancing to the knockout rounds of any nation, according to SPI.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Johnny Placide DF: Kim Jaggy, Alex Christian, Mechack Jerome, Jean Sony Alcenat MF: Jeff Louis, Max Hilaire, Jean Alexandre, Soni Mustivar FW: Sony Norde, Duckens Nazon
Key Player:
Mechack Jerome
Haiti's defense will be tested during this tournament, so the experienced hand of Jerome will be called on to anchor a back line to stem opponents and start counterattacks.
Manager:
Patrice Neveu
The well-traveled Frenchman was managing in Africa before taking over Haiti in late 2015. Calling the Copa America Centenario "the biggest tournament I'm going to contest in my career," the 61-year-old is hoping to make a name for himself.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Peru
June 4, 7:30 p.m. ET
CenturyLink Field, Seattle
Haiti have never beaten Peru, drawing twice and losing twice dating to 1977.
Game 2 vs. Brazil
June 8, 7:30 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
The two sides have met only three times. Haiti did win once, beating a U20 invitational team 4-3 at the 1999 Caribbean Cup.
Game 3 vs. Ecuador
June 12, 6:30 p.m. ET
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
Haiti lost the three friendlies but did chalk up a 2-0 win in their only competitive match at the 2002 Gold Cup.
Group B
Peru
Peru's status as a second-tier CONMEBOL footballing nation has been hard to shake, especially because they haven't qualified for a World Cup since 1982. Yet the Copa America has been the proving ground for recent success, with consecutive third-place finishes in 2011 and 2015 hinting at a return to their glory days of the 1970s, when they won it all in 1975. Escaping the group stage would be a reasonable expectation for La Blanquirroja, given the draw.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Four defeats in their first six World Cup qualifiers, including a 3-0 rout in Brazil, have Peru very much on the outside looking in when it comes to Russia 2018, but the Copa group offers room for progress.
How They'll Proceed:
Winning the group would require the kind of results Peru simply haven't produced in the past 12 months. That said, second place is a reasonable target.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Pedro Gallese DF: Jair Cespedes, Alberto Rodriguez, Christian Ramos, Yosimar Yotun DM: Reinaldo Tapia, Carlos Lobaton AM: Armando Alfageme, Oscar Vilchez, Cristian Cueva FW: Paolo Guerrero
Key Player:
Carlos Zambrano
If they are to have a chance of advancing through a tricky but not impossible group, the cultured central defender will need to use every ounce of his experience from the Bundesliga in marshaling the back four.
Manager:
Ricardo Gareca
The former Argentine international took over Peru in March 2015 and promptly led the CONMEBOL minnows to the Copa America semifinals against all odds. How will they fare this time around?
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Haiti
June 4, 7:30 p.m. ET
CenturyLink Field, Seattle
Peru are unbeaten in four games vs. Haiti all time, including a 5-1 friendly win in February 2003.
Game 2 vs. Ecuador
June 8, 10 p.m. ET
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
The two sides have met 48 times dating to 1938 but their last Copa America meeting ended 2-1 to Ecuador back in 1995.
Game 3 vs. Brazil
June 12, 8:30 p.m. ET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Peru haven't beaten Brazil since a 1-0 friendly win in 1985, losing 10 games and drawing six since that victory.
Group C
Mexico
Despite their CONCACAF status, Mexico have long been a Copa America invitee by CONMEBOL and will feel right at home. As such, a place in the semifinals would constitute a successful tournament, although Mexico's passionate fan base in the U.S. will be hoping for more.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
El Tri endured a difficult Copa America in 2015, drawing twice and losing to Ecuador in a group-stage exit. Yet their results have been superb ever since, even accounting for the exit of Miguel Herrera and appointment of Juan Carlos Osorio in October. They've won 11 and drawn six in 17 games since that Ecuador defeat, winning the 2015 Gold Cup and defeating the U.S. in the CONCACAF Cup to determine the continent's participant in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
How They'll Proceed:
Despite their stellar form, Mexico are only second-favorite to escape Group C, behind Uruguay.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Alfredo Talavera DF: Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno, Diego Reyes, Jorge Torres Nilo MF: Jesus Molina, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Jesus Corona FW: Raul Jimenez, Javier Hernandez
Key Player:
Andres Guardado
While others may be more explosive (the Dos Santos brothers) or score big goals (like Chicharito), the importance of the PSV midfielder can't be understated. Even on an off day, Guardado's experience in midfield is vital.
Manager:
Juan Carlos Osorio
The Colombian (Mexico's 12th manager in nine years) is off to a good start with El Tri in World Cup qualifying, but he'll want to make a statement here in order to convince any doubters that he's the right person for the job.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Uruguay
June 5, 8 p.m. ET
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Mexico are due for a win over Uruguay in competitive play, losing 1-0 at the 2011 Copa America and 1-0 in the 2010 World Cup group stage.
Game 2 vs. Jamaica
June 9, 10 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Mexico have lost only four of their 21 all-time meetings with Jamaica and beat them 3-1 in the 2015 Gold Cup final.
Game 3 vs. Venezuela
June 13, 8 p.m. ET
NRG Stadium, Houston
El Tri might fancy a win here: they've taken 13 victories and suffered just two defeats in 18 games against Venezuela dating to 1938.
Group C
Uruguay
As their CONMEBOL rivals will attest, Uruguay are an incredibly difficult team to eliminate due to their fierce competitive spirit. Reaching the semifinals of this edition would qualify as a success.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifiers
Uruguay have been a bit "nearly there" in recent years, beating lesser opponents but stumbling in high-pressure games. They lost to Argentina and Chile at last summer's Copa America and were eliminated by Colombia in the 2014 World Cup. All eyes will be on their talented attackers.
How They'll Proceed:
Uruguay are overwhelming favorites to advance from Group C and have the third-best odds to reach the final behind Brazil and Argentina.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Fernando Muslera DF: Maxi Pereira, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Jorge Fucile MF: Carlos Sanchez, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Alvaro Gonzalez, Nicolas Lodeiro FW: Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez
Key Player:
Luis Suarez
Yes, it's an obvious pick but for a player who had to watch from afar as Uruguay failed to muster enough scoring at the 2015 Copa America in Chile, Suarez will be motivated to continue his fine form from Barcelona's 2015-16 season.
Manager:
Oscar Tabarez
"El Maestro" is one of the most tactically astute national team coaches in the game, and won the Copa America in 2011 with La Celeste.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Mexico
June 5, 8 p.m. ET
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
The two sides clashed at the 2011 Copa America, with Uruguay winning 1-0 on a goal from Alvaro Pereira.
Game 2 vs. Venezuela
June 11, 3 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Uruguay have a favorable record against Venezuela, winning 17 of 28 encounters dating to 1965.
Game 3 vs. Jamaica
June 13, 10 p.m. ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
The two sides have met only four times, with Uruguay winning three times.
Group C
Jamaica
The 2015 Gold Cup runner-up will be long shots to emerge from the group, so any advancement to the knockout round would be a rousing success for the Reggae Boyz.
How They Qualified:
Winners of 2014 Caribbean Cup
Jamaica defeated Trinidad & Tobago 4-3 on penalties after a goal-less final in 2014's eight-team tournament to determine the Caribbean Football Union's (CFU) representative at this summer's tournament.
How They'll Proceed:
Their chances of progression are reduced due to the relative toughness of the group, but also because of their uneven form.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Andre Blake DF: Adrian Mariappa, Wes Morgan, Kemar Lawrence, Michael Hector MF: Rodolph Austin, Garath McCleary, Je-Vaughn Watson, Jobi McAnuff FW: Simon Dawkins, Giles Barnes
Key Player:
Giles Barnes
The Houston Dynamo man will have to be opportunistic as Jamaica are likely to be granted few looks at goal during the group stage. Barnes was splendid at the Gold Cup, and will need a similar performance in this tournament.
Manager:
Winfried Schafer
Despite going pointless in the 2015 Copa, Schafer's team played well and that carried over into the Gold Cup. But that was nearly all undone when they were minutes from World Cup qualifying elimination vs. Nicaragua. Which Jamaica will show up?
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Venezuela
June 5, 8 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
Jamaica defeated Venezuela 2-1 in a March 2015 friendly, only their sixth all-time meeting.
Game 2 vs. Mexico
June 11, 10 p.m. ET
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
This is one of the Copa's most uneven rivalries: Jamaica have won just four of their 23 meetings dating to 1962.
Game 3 vs. Uruguay
June 13, 10 p.m. ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
The two sides have met only twice, during qualifying for Euro 2008.
Group C
Venezuela
Off-field chaos -- the nation's top players recently protested the local FA and manager Noel Sanvicente -- means that any genuine success this summer might simply revolve around turning up. Not much will be expected from a less-than-generous group draw.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Venezuela's waning form since the 2014 Copa America -- they've won just one of their past 11 games -- has prompted talk of bringing an experimental team to the U.S. this summer.
How They'll Proceed:
La Vinotinto have some of the least favorable odds in the tournament.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Jose Contreras DF: Roberto Rosales, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Wilker Angel, Mikel Villanueva DM: Tomas Rincon, Franklin Lucena AM: Juan Pablo Anor, Alejandro Guerra, Juan Seijas FW: Salomon Rondon
Key Player:
Salomon Rondon
The powerful striker has settled nicely in the Premier League this season with West Brom, notching seven goals and two assists in 23 starts. Venezuela will need him firing on all cylinders in a tough group.
Manager:
Noel Sanvicente
The 51-year-old has been underestimated in the past but knows how to get results with his squad, famously beating Colombia 1-0 in last summer's Copa America. His keen tactical mind will be put to the test again this summer.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Jamaica
June 5, 5 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
Venezuela's last win over Jamaica was in 2011, a 2-0 friendly victory in Montego Bay.
Game 2 vs. Uruguay
June 9, 7.30 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Venezuela are winless in their past seven meetings with Uruguay, with their most recent victory (1-0) coming in 2006.
Game 3 vs. Mexico
June 13, 8 p.m. ET
NRG Stadium, Houston
Mexico have won nine of the past 11 games against Venezuela, drawing the other two. Venezuela last beat El Tri in 1982.
Group D
Argentina
It's high time that the Lionel Messi-led Albicelestes get across the finish line in 2016. Several deep tournament runs have ended with them coming away empty-handed in recent years, namely the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa. That run must end on U.S. soil this summer.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Besides the disappointment of losing the 2015 Copa America on penalties, Argentina have lost just once since last summer in eight games, including World Cup qualifying. They've not been as electric as expected (Lionel Messi only returned to the team in late March) but Gerardo Martino's side are still well-placed in World Cup qualifying.
How They'll Proceed:
Much is expected of Argentina and it shows in their SPI projections: they have the greatest chance of reaching the knockout rounds along with Brazil.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Sergio Romero DF: Gabriel Mercado, Ramiro Funes Mori, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo MF: Guido Pizarro, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega FW: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria
Key Player:
Angel Di Maria
While it would be obvious to pick Messi as the key, opponents will be busy planning on how to stop the Barca star. Therefore, the PSG playmaker could be essential in picking a path to goal against tightly packed defenses.
Manager:
Gerardo "Tata" Martino
The 53-year-old manager underwhelmed at Barcelona but has a solid track record at the international level since returning to his native Argentina in 2014. He demands high pressing and attack-minded football and did reach the Copa America final in 2015.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Chile
June 6, 10 p.m. ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Argentina have lost only twice to Chile since 1973 (18 wins, 10 draws) but one of those famously was the 2015 Copa America final.
Game 2 vs. Panama
June 10, 9:30 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
The two sides have met only once, with Argentina winning 3-1 in 2009.
Game 3 vs. Bolivia
June 14, 10 p.m. ET
CenturyLink Field, Seattle
Argentina played Bolivia twice in 2015, winning 12-0 in the two games combined.
Group D
Chile
They're the defending Copa America champions but a lot has changed since last summer. Since winning on home soil, they've parted ways with manager Jorge Sampaoli, the brains behind the operation, and face several question marks on an aging squad. Will this summer be a reboot or a rebuild? Nothing less than a semifinal run or greater will do for La Roja.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifiers, Copa America title holders
The side that enjoyed a superb 2015 was so long ago, given the question marks surrounding their preparations for this summer. World Cup qualifying began strong in August with a 2-0 win over Brazil, but back-to-back defeats against Uruguay and Argentina have them hovering in the fourth and final automatic spots for Russia 2018. There's plenty of time for new manager Juan Antonio Pizzi to turn things around.
How They'll Proceed:
Once again, Chile are in Argentina's shadow but are the consensus pick to advance in second place.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Claudio Bravo DF: Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Gonzalo Jara, Eugenio Mena MF: Marcelo Diaz, Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal CAM: Edson Puch FW: Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas
Key Player:
Alexis Sanchez
The Arsenal playmaker was integral to snapping Chile's Copa America drought in 2015, but a lot of football the past three seasons is starting to take its toll. Does he have enough left in the tank for this summer?
Manager:
Juan Antonio Pizzi
The Argentine takes over a well-drilled but tired team and has little time to install his preferred style of play. The speed at which he transitions Chile from a high-press setup to his preferred target-man approach will be vital to their chances this summer.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Argentina
June 6, 10 p.m. ET
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
The two met on March 24 in World Cup qualifying but Chile let a 1-0 lead turn into a 2-1 defeat.
Game 2 vs. Bolivia
June 10, 7 p.m. ET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Chile have won six and lost four of their past 10 games against Bolivia, beating them 5-0 during the 2015 Copa America group stage.
Game 3 vs. Panama
June 14, 8 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Chile have met Panama three times dating to 1952, winning twice (including a 2-1 win in a 2010 friendly).
Group D
Panama
With every tournament, Panama seem to get better, and they could be just the type of team to surprise a few in the group stage. Reaching the quarterfinals would be a great achievement for this improving squad.
How They Qualified:
Winner of qualifying playoff
Beat Cuba 4-0 on Jan. 8 to book their spot in this summer's tournament but worryingly for Los Canaleros, it's only their fourth win in their past 11 games, including World Cup qualifying.
How They'll Proceed:
Few expect Panama to escape the group stage, let alone make a deep run: SPI projects they have just a 1.2 percent chance of reaching the final, and a 0.2 percent chance of winning it all.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Jaime Penedo DF: Erick Davis, Harold Cummings, Felipe Baloy, Adolfo Machado MF: Alberto Quintero, Anibal Godoy, Armando Cooper, Valentin Pimentel FW: Roberto Nurse, Luis Tejada
Key Player:
Roman Torres
The center-back is recovering from a knee injury but once 100 percent healthy, his presence on the Canaleros' back line will be vital to any hopes of advancement to the quarterfinals.
Manager:
Hernan Dario Gomez
While the Colombian has an acrimonious relationship with the Panamanian media, he has impressed as a coach, none more so than in last summer's Gold Cup, when he guided 10-man Panama to a near-upset of Mexico.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Bolivia
June 6, 7 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
Panama don't have the best track record against Bolivia (three wins, one draw in eight games) but have won two straight, including a 3-1 friendly win in 2011.
Game 2 vs. Argentina
June 10, 9.30 p.m. ET
Soldier Field, Chicago
Likely the starting GK, Jaime Penedo was also between the posts for Panama's only meeting with Argentina, a 3-1 defeat in 2009.
Game 3 vs. Chile
June 14, 8 p.m. ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Panama are still seeking their first win against Chile, drawing 0-0 in 2008 and losing the other two matches.
Group D
Bolivia
Given the uncharitable draw against two of CONMEBOL's best and a strong CONCACAF contender, hopes won't be for much more than three-and-out. The reported decision to bring a squad of untested young players only reinforces the notion that the 2016 Copa will be a testing ground for the future.
How They Qualified:
Automatic qualifier
Bolivia have lost nine of their 12 games since the beginning of 2015, hardly ideal for a team that haven't escaped the Copa America group stages since 1997, when they finished as the runner-up.
How They'll Proceed:
Bolivia have a 0.1 percent chance of winning the Copa America, according to SPI. The only team with worse odds: Haiti, with 0.0 percent.
Predicted Lineup:
GK: Romel Quinonez DF: Ronald Eguino, Nelson Cabrera, Edward Zenteno MF: Alejandro Melean, Martin Smedberg-Dalence, Walter Veizaga, Pedro Azogue, Jhasmani Campos CF: Juan Carlos Arce FW: Rodrigo Ramallo
Key Player:
Rodrigo Ramallo
The 25-year-old striker has only recently broken through, with just seven caps for La Verde and two goals. But if Bolivia take a youth-driven squad to the U.S. this summer, all eyes will be on him to shoulder the load up front.
Manager:
Julio Cesar Baldivieso
The well-traveled former playmaker represented Bolivia for 15 years as a player but has just nine months' experience as manager. Known for his attacking flair, he'll need to use all his charm to rally a national team that's in transition.
Schedule
Game 1 vs. Panama
June 6, 7 p.m. ET
Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
Bolivia last beat Panama in 2008, winning 1-0 in an international friendly.
Game 2 vs. Chile
June 10, 7 p.m. ET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Bolivia haven't beaten Chile since a 1-0 win in 2000, losing six of 10 meetings since.
Game 3 vs. Argentina
June 14, 10 p.m. ET
CenturyLink Field, Seattle
Bolivia routed Argentina 6-1 in a 2009 World Cup qualifier but have lost twice and drawn three times since.
