Tuesday was a big day for soccer fans, as the final 23-man rosters were announced for all 16 teams competing at the Copa America Centenario – the 100th anniversary of the biggest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the biggest names in soccer will be taking part, including Lionel Messi, who will lead the favorites from Argentina into battle.
Not only is Argentina the favorite, they've moved from +225 at the open to +185 on the Copa America futures market at press time. It's been nearly 25 years since the world's No. 1-ranked team won the coveted Copa America trophy; Argentina was the runner-up in three of the last four tournaments, losing to Chile in penalties at the 2015 Copa America final. They'll meet again on June 6 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Chile is the third favorite this year at +700, so it should be yet another close match.
Coming to America
The Centenario is even more noteworthy because this tournament is being held on American soil for the first time. Team USA (tied with Chile at +700) starts at Levi's Stadium with a Group A match against Colombia (+900) on June 3. Then it's off to Soldier Field in Chicago on June 7 to face Costa Rica (+5000), followed by Paraguay (+6600) on June 11 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Group B should be an easy ride for the second favorites from Brazil (+450), but their soccer program has seen better times – Brazil was priced at +350 when the Copa America odds first hit the board. They'll compete in the Group stage with Ecuador (+2500), Peru (+6600) and Haiti (+50000). Group C should see Uruguay (+1000) and Mexico (+1100) advance at the expense of Venezuela (+10000) and Jamaica (+20000).
The Golden Boy
Then you have Argentina and Chile colliding in Group D. Assuming both squads come out of their opener unscathed, they shouldn't have much trouble putting away Panama and Bolivia (each at +15000) to reach the Knockout stage. The bracket gets shuffled around at that point, so if these two bitter rivals meet each other again, it will be at the Final on June 26, at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
If you're looking for an upset special, consider the team from Colombia. Los Cafeteros went into decline after winning the Copa America on their own turf in 2001, but they've experienced a renaissance under coach Jose Pekerman. Their captain, midfielder and Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez, won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, and he's an excellent value pick at +5000 to do it again at the Centenario. Messi, of course, is favored to lead all goal scorers at +450. He is Messi, after all.
*Odds as of May 25, 2016