Yes, it is true that all the major leagues have ended but you know football truly never ends. It is time again for another huge football competition. If you are an avid football fan then you are more than likely excited about Copa América that is scheduled to begin today (June 11) and culminate July 4 in Chile. Don’t fret if you only watch football occasionally and have no idea what I’m talking about because I’ll tell you all you need to know about Copa América. As a matter of fact, after you finish reading this you won’t even be able to contain your excitement.

Copa América is said to be the oldest international continental competition and while traditionally never sparked interest in Jamaicans, it remains one of the most widely viewed competitions in the world. This prestigious competition is usually between the members of CONMEBOL (The South American Football Federation) to determine the champions of South America. However, CONMEBOL only has 10 members and so they invite national teams from other FIFA Confederations to join the competition. Only seven countries have ever been invited to join the competition and for the first time ever Jamaica, being the winners of the Caribbean Cup, has secured a spot. Although the competition is supposed to be held every four years, there will be a special Copa América to be held next year called Copa América Centenario or the 2016 Centennial Copa America to celebrate 100 years of CONMEBOL and Copa América. The tournament will be held in the United States and this makes it the first ever Copa América to be held outside South America.

So which teams do you need to watch out for in Copa América? Defending champions Uruguay will certainly be hoping to retain the title they won in 2011, but they will have to do so without star striker and tournament MVP Luis Suarez who is still serving an international ban. Their team is undoubtedly weaker without him, but they still possess a fair amount of quality across the park. 

Perrenial continent rivals Argentina and Brazil will both have their eyes set on clinching glory. The Argentines will be hoping to get over the disappointment of a World Cup finals loss to Germany, while Brazil are still exorcising the demons of the 7-1 thrashing from the same nation. Notably, the latter of the two comes into the tourney on the back of a 10-game winning streak – second-best in their history. 

Not to be counted out of hosts Chile, who have soon time and time again that they can rise to the occasion when playing in a major tournament, and playing in front of their own fans should give more than enough motivation to do well. Colombia also gave a good showing of themselves during the WC last year, so they should not be counted out – dark horses for many a fans. 

Who will you need to look out for? Club teammates Neymar of Brazil and Lionel Messi of Argentina are expected to put on a spectacular show, but also look out for Alexis Sanchez who will be representing the hosts’ Chile. Our very own Reggae Boyz will want to prove themselves in their debut appearance, but are in the ‘Group of Death’ so there is no way to predict how well they will do.

Here are the groups:

Group A- Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Mexico

Group B- Argentina, Jamaica, Paraguay, Uruguay

Group C- Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela

With teams like that you can just tell Copa América will be a treat.