The March FIFA window was for many teams, the final or penultimate dress rehearsal before the tournament gets underway in June.
Many things have changed since the last time the US hosted the tournament in 2016 when Chile beat Argentina in the final. The Albiceleste come into the competition as current World Cup and Copa América holders and along with Brazil are the favourites ahead of the tournament.
The 16 teams participating in this Copa América and their respective head coaches have little room for manoeuvre in the planning department with just a brief spell available to work with their players in June before the action gets underway.
Here’s a mid-term report on the key teams following the past round of international friendly games.
How the key Copa América teams shape up?
Argentina impress
Lionel Scaloni’s team showed that the union within the group is still strong despite rumors linking the coach with an exit from the position. The 45-year-old reiterated his intention to lead this Albiceleste team who showed that even without Lionel Messi they are a competitive and remain a firm team candidate for the title as they overcame both El Salvador and Costa Rica with relative ease as veteran Di María and newcomer Alejandro Garnacho both impressed.
Brazil show improvement
Brazil played their first games under new coach Dorival Junior with a win over England at Wembley followed by a pulsating 3-3 draw with Spain in Madrid. Real Madrid’s Endrick impressed in London bagging the winner in the win in London and the teenage sprang from the bench to score at the Bernabeu too. As always, the Seleçao have a wealth of talent in attack with the likes of Vinicius, Rodrigo, Raphina, Richarlison but will be without Neymar Jr. who is still undergoing rehabilitation for a torn ACL.
Colombia extend undefeated run
Another team that showed its Copa América credentials is Colombia with the Cafeteros managing to extend their undefeated record to 21 games. Néstor Lorenzo’s team are also playing an attractive brand of football as they stunned Spain with a 0-1 win in London before beating Euro 2024 bound Romania in a five-goal thriller at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
Uruguay slip
Despite recording two poor results in the current FIFA window, Marcelo Bielsa has shown that his Uruguay side are a serious contender at this summer’s Copa America. Under the Argentine coach, the Celestes performances in the recent CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers as they sit second in the ranking see Uruguay as one of the dark horses of the tournament and are pitted with Panama, Bolivia and the USA in the qualifying stage.
United States dominate CONCACAF
The Stars and Stripes bagged the CONCACAF Nations League for the third consecutive time and over team have started to show their dominance in the region. Gregg Berhalter’s side feature a healthy blend of experience with younger emerging talents and the summer’s tournament serves as a perfect acid-test for the USMNT as they also set their sights close ranks on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico, with work to do
There is plenty of work ahead for Jaime Lozano and his team as El Tri supporters were once again given a taste of bad medicine as they slipped up to the United States in the Nations League final. Mexico have lined up high profile friendly games against the likes of Brazil and Uruguay for June and will expect to advance from their group that also included Venezuela, Ecuador and Jamaica.