The 2016 Copa America Centenario holds a special importance this year, as the competition mark its 100th anniversary. It is also first time when the Copa will be held outside South America.
The 16-team draw for the Copa America took place on Sunday with the competition will be held at the United States, who will host such a major soccer tournament for the first time since the FIFA 1994 World Cup.
Let’s take a look at the draw for the tournament that will run from June 3 to June 26:
Copa America 2016 Groups
Complete Copa America Schedule 2016
Copa America 2016: Match Timings
(All times Eastern)
Friday, June 3
USA vs. Colombia, Santa Clara, CA, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 4
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay, Orlando, FL, 5pm
Haiti vs. Peru, Seattle, WA, 7:30pm
Brazil vs. Ecuador, Pasadena, CA, 10pm (tickets)
Sunday, June 5
Jamaica vs. Venezuela, Chicago, IL, 5pm
Mexico vs. Uruguay, Glendale, AZ, 8pm
Monday, June 6
Panama vs. Bolivia, Orlando, FL, 7pm
Argentina vs. Chile, Santa Clara, CA, 10pm
Tuesday, June 7
USA vs. Costa Rica, Chicago, IL, 8pm
Colombia vs. Paraguay, Pasadena, CA, 10:30pm
Wednesday, June 8
Brazil vs. Haiti, Orlando, FL, 7:30pm
Ecuador vs. Peru, Glendale, AZ, 10pm
Thursday, June 9
Uruguay vs. Venezuela, Philadelphia, PA, 7:30pm
Mexico vs. Jamaica, Pasadena, CA, 10pm
There will be no shortage of big name stars participating in the 2016 Copa America. The host nation United States have been handed a tough group, as they are pitted against strong opponents – Costa Rica, Colombia and Paraguay.
The competition will bring together the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar – Barcelona’s famous MSN trio – who will compete against each other.
Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez, who impressed during the World Cup 2014, will look to prove his talent once again in front of a global audience.
There will be a host of Premier League players participating (unless injury prevent them from doing so) in this competition which will surely make it a competitive event.
Chile’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez, while Liverpool fans will expect Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino to shine in a big tournament.
Oscar and Willian are the two major players from Chelsea who will represent Brazil in the Copa. Likewise, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero will look to make a big impression for his national team this time.