Copa America 2024 seems set as a changing of the guard in what could be the final major tournament of Lionel Messi's illustrious career with Argentina.
The pre-tournament narrative: Argentina, the defending World Cup champs, and Brazil stand ahead of everyone else, but some of the North American sides shouldn't be overlooked. That includes the USA and Canada. Upsets are inevitable in the knockout rounds and those are two teams that could surprise.
Check out our full list of 2024 Copa America sleeper teams for the tournament beginning on June 20.
Copa America sleeper teams
Beyond the Americans and Canadians, Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela are dark horse teams to pay attention to. Of that group, the USA has the shortest odds to win the tournament at 12-to-1.
Below are each team's odds of winning the 2024 Copa America soccer tournament. Argentina is a +175 favourite to win it all, followed by Brazil at +225.
Click linked odds to add selection to betslip.
| Country | Betting odds |
| USA | +1,200 |
| Ecuador | +1,600 |
| Chile | +2,800 |
| Canada | +6,600 |
| Venezuela | +6,600 |
Canada
The Canadians had one of the most promising young squads ahead of the 2022 World Cup, but they haven't really lived up to the hype. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies are top talents, but there's been a lack of contribution elsewhere.
Still, with the limited matches in this style of tournament, all it takes is those two getting hot and Canada could make a deep run. Being the country's first time in Copa America, there may be less pressure than normal.
But if Canada can’t get out of the group stage with new manager Jesse Marsch, the questions on this team’s future will immediately begin.
USA
The United States has participated in Copa America four times, never finishing above fourth and getting knocked out twice in the group stage. We might be set to see a breakthrough, however, as there's plenty of talent on this team.
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah, among others, are all regulars at some of the biggest clubs in Europe. While not an extreme underdog, anyone outside of Argentina and Brazil can be considered a sleeper in this tournament.
The U.S. has plenty of depth and, behind the home crowd, this seems like the best chance for it to secure a Copa America medal.
Ecuador
Ecuador drew the eyes of many in its 2022 World Cup-opening win over Qatar and will hope it has a bit more resolve after crashing out in the group stage.
With a young squad featuring the likes of Piero Hincapie and Moises Caicedo, it could be set to make a bigger run at Copa America where its group is seemingly wide open unless Mexico plays above its current level.
Mexico is the smallest favourite of the four groups, which means Group B could truly be up for grabs, giving Ecuador a decent chance to advance into the knockouts where anything can happen.
Copa America sleeper: Chile
Chile has won two of the last four tournaments, though those titles came in 2015 and 2016, both in penalties over Argentina.
Chile's superstars are well past their best. No. 1 goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is 41 years old, while Alexis Sanchez was relegated to a bench role with Inter Milan this past season. But that experience, combined with the energy of someone like Ben Brereton Diaz, could prove just enough to get out of group stages and beyond.
The country also has the benefit of a somewhat favourable group with the second spot up for grabs behind Argentina.
Venezuela
Venezuela has struggled for consistency in recent tournaments, but a more defensive approach lately has led to more success.
As it stands, the country is set to make the 2026 World Cup, having allowed just three goals in six qualifying matches. Similar to Ecuador, Venezuela has a chance to advance thanks to a weaker Group B.
If its defensive record continues and it can get something out of players like Salomon Rondon or Darwin Machis in the attack, then reaching the knockout round is more than possible.
