Copa America Countries
Top contenders
Argentina,
Argentina, known as La Albiceleste, became the Copa America champion 15 times. The team won the World Cup twice, just like the Olympic games. Brazil, Germany, England, and Uruguay are Argentina’s main rivals. When you think of Argentina’s national team, you think of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. Argentina’s biggest win was a 12-0 victory over Ecuador. The match was played in Uruguay in 1942.
Brazil
In Copa America and the World Cup, Brazil, Seleção Os Canarinhos or godly canaries, are a force to be reckoned with. The Brazilians have won Copa America nine times already and the World Cup five times. At the World Cup, they are the most successful team ever. The biggest win of Brazil was a 14-0 win over Nicaragua, while the most significant loss was a 6-0 loss against Uruguay and a 7-1 defeat against Germany in 2014. Before going to the next team, let’s look at the all-time top scorers in Brazil. Pele is the leader with 77 goals, Neymar comes in second (at the time of writing) with 68 goals, and Ronaldo is the number three with 62 goals.
Chile
Chile or La Roja is always a dangerous side to consider. The biggest wins were 7-0 victories over Venezuela, Armenia, and Mexico. On the other hand, the most significant loss was a 7-0 match against Brazil. The best result at the World Cup was third place in 1962, while the best at the Copa America was second place in 2017. Arturo Vidal is one of the most popular players from Chile. Alexis Sánchez is the all-time top scorer of Chile with 132 goals, followed by Eduardo Vargas with 91 goals (at the time of writing).
Uruguay
Uruguay is also known as La Celeste. Diego Godin has the most appearances for Uruguay with 145 caps, while Luis Suárez is the all-time top scorer with 64 goals. The biggest win was a 9-0 victory over Bolivia in 1927, while the most significant loss was against Argentina in 1902. Uruguay was the World Champion in 1902 and 1930 and won Copa America 15 times.
Mexico
Mexico, famously known as El Tri, has left an indelible mark on the world stage of football. Rafael Márquez boasts the highest number of appearances with an astonishing 147 caps, while the legendary striker Chicharito (Javier Hernandez) holds the record for the most goals scored, tallying an impressive 52. All eyes are now on Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez. El Tri has triumphed in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on twelve occasions and claimed the Copa America title once.
Colombia
Colombia is also known as Los Cafeteros. Their biggest win was a 0-6 victory over Bahrein in 2015. Their biggest defeat was a 9-0 defeat against Brazil in 1957. Radamel Falcao is the team’s top scorer with 30 goals. Colombia won the Copa America in 2001.
Outsiders
USA
The United States has carved its niche in football history. Cobi Jones holds the record for the most appearances with an admirable 164 caps, while Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan are the all-time leading scorers with both 57 goals. All eyes are on Pulisic and talents like Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Taylor Booth. The USA have won the Gold Cup 7 times. They’re yet to win a Copa America.
Panama
Panama, known as Los Canaleros, has made strides in international football. Gabriel Gómez boasts the highest number of appearances with an impressive 147 caps, while Luis Tejada holds the record for the most goals scored, tallying an admirable 43. Los Canaleros have yet to win a major international tournament but have been formidable contenders in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, reaching the final once.
Paraguay
Paraguay is also known as La Albirroja. Their biggest wins were the 7-0 victories over Bolivia and Hongkong (1949 and 2010). The most significant loss is an 8-0 defeat against Argentina in 1926. The all-time top scorer is Roque Santa Cruz.
Peru
Peru is also known as Los Incas. Their biggest win is a 9-0 victory over Bolivia in 1927, while their most significant loss is a 7-0 loss against Brazil in 1997. Peru has won the Copa America twice (1939 and 1975). The all-time top scorer is Paolo Guerrero, who has 38 goals.
Bolivia
Bolivia, known as La Verde, became the Copa America winner once in 1963. The biggest win was in 1993 when Venezuela was beaten 7-0, and Haïti was beaten in 2000 with 9-2.
Venezuela
Venezuela’s nickname is La Vinotinto. With his 127 appearances, Juan Arango is the player that played the most matches for Venezuela. He scored the most goals as well, with 23 goals. Venezuela’s most significant win is a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
Jamaica
Jamaica, often called the Reggae Boyz, boasts some of the most remarkable statistics in its football history. Their stalwart defender Ian Goodison holds the record for the most appearances with 128 caps, while striker Luton Shelton is the all-time leading scorer with an impressive 35 goals. Unfortunately, both retired a long time ago. All eyes are now on Leon Bailey and Michail Antonio.
Ecuador
Ecuador’s nickname is La Tricolor. Their biggest win was a 6-0 win over Peru in 1975. The most significant loss was against Argentina (12-0) in 1942. The best result in Copa America is fourth place in 1959 and 1993. The all-time top scorer is Augustin Delgado, who has 31 goals.
