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The Copa America heads into the semi-finals with a healthy mix of top players looking to replenish their trophy cabinet and a compelling Cinderella story that heralds an intriguing final of the South American Championship.
Each team, of course, has the same prize in mind – the winners podium at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14 – but with a different point to prove. Three years removed from winning the Copa America and a year and a half after winning the World Cup, Argentina wants to stay at the top of the international football world. Uruguay and Colombia, meanwhile, are resurgent programs with their own ambitions and Jesse Marsch’s incredible start as Canada’s head coach could spark optimism that carries them through the run-up to the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Either way, the semi-finalists will team up for a fascinating final, but some will obviously be more exciting than others. Before the final four play for a trip to Miami Gardens, here is a ranking of the possible final matchups.
Schedule of the semi-finals and how to watch
Always US/East
Tuesday July 9
Argentina vs. Canada, 8 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
Wednesday July 10
Uruguay vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)
4. Canada vs. Uruguay
There are few things more fun than a Cinderella story at a tournament, but a deep charge from an underdog always raises one question: can they actually keep this up much longer? Most would argue that the answer in the case of Canada is probably no; the semi-final against Argentina is expected to be insurmountable. even according to Marsch’s confession. However, if they somehow pull through, they will rightfully be the underdogs again at Hard Rock Stadium. This potential match looks set to be a lopsided match that favors an in-form Uruguay, which takes down the entertainment value of a final, but the added story of two former Leeds United coaches in Marsch and Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa adds a fun element to this possible competition. to collide.
3. Canada vs. Colombia
This potential final could also be a one-sided affair, with Colombia rightly favored over Canada, but the reason this potential match is rated higher is because of the South American side’s upward trajectory. Colombia hit rock bottom by failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, but have since turned things around in impressive fashion: they are in the middle of a 27-match unbeaten run, a string of wins over Brazil and Spain in recent months. Considering Los Cafeteros have only won the Copa America once, this final offers the chance for a remarkable historic moment for Colombia. With the 2026 World Cup just two years away, they may also be laying the foundation for an important part of the team’s history.
2. Argentina vs Uruguay
The main storyline of this Copa America is that it could be Lionel Messi’s last international tournament with Argentina, and so any final in which he is 90 minutes away from lifting the trophy for a second time will probably be the most convincing scenario offer. This match could also provide high entertainment value given the competitiveness of two in-form teams, especially given their most recent meeting when Uruguay beat Argentina 2-0 in November. A Bielsa-led revival means Uruguay is one of the most fascinating sides in the world right now, and there’s a bit of history at stake too. Both teams are tied with fifteen Copa America titles, the most of any team, and have a chance to retain top spot on their own if they win.
1. Argentina vs Colombia
Like the potential meeting between Argentina and Uruguay, this match is attractive for similar reasons: both are among the best teams in the Copa America, so a highly competitive match is expected. However, this one would be a battle between the number 1 team in the world in Argentina and perhaps the most in-form team in the world in Colombia. Both feel like unstoppable forces at this point, which makes a game where you have to end up on the losing side incredibly fascinating. It is difficult to predict which way this will go; the last time these two played was during the 2021 Copa America, when Argentina defeated Colombia on penalties after a 1-1 draw. However, both teams feel like they are in different eras, making it a highly anticipated potential final.