2019 Copa America: teams, results, fixtures and how to watch on TV in the UAE
The 2019 Copa America takes place in Brazil from June 14-July 7
The Copa America Trophy is displayed during a meeting between representatives of the 12 nations who will take part in the 2019 Copa America. The Copa America will be hosted in Brazil between June 14 and July 7. Getty Images
Argentina captain Lionel Messi takes part in training at a pre-Copa America training camp in Buenos Aires. EPA
Argentina players Leandro Paredes, Paulo Dybala, and Roberto Pereyra attend their team's training session at the premises of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires ahead of the 2019 Copa America. The tournament will take place in Brazil from June 14-July 7. EPA
Argentina players Lautaro Martinez, Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi take part in a training session. AFP
Argentina's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi laughs during training. Reuters
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson takes part in a training drill. Reuters
Soccer Football - Copa America - Brazil Training - Gremio training center, Porto Alegre, Brazil - June 7, 2019. Brazil's Gabriel Jesus during training at the Gremio training centre in Porto Alegre, Brazil, ahead of the country hosting the 2019 Copa America. Reuters
Brazil's Felipe Luis takes part in a training session for the national team at Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil. AFP
Brazil goalkeper Alisson speaks during a press conference after a training session at Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre, AFP
Brazil manager Tite speaks during a press conference after a training session at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre. AFP
Dani Alves participates in a training session. EPA
Brazil's Neymar leaves the pitch injured during a friendly football match against Qatar at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia on June 5, 2019. The Brazil captain was later ruled out of the tournament. AFP
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez sits out a training session with the national team in Montevideo. The Barcelona striker joined up with his teammates last week after undergoing a meniscus on May 10. EPA
Lucas Torreira strikes a ball as Uruguay step up their Copa America preparations. EPA
Colombia's President Ivan Duque, right, gives the Colombian national flag to national team captain Radamel Falcao at Narino Presidential Palace in Bogota, on June 4, 2019 ahead of the the 2019 Copa America in Brazil. AFP
Colombia's President Ivan Duque talks to Colombia defender Yerry Mina. AFP
Peru's Paolo Guerrero eyes the ball during a friendly football match against Costa Rica at the Monumental stadium in Lima on June 5, 2019, ahead of Brazil 2019 Copa America. AFP
Arturo Vidal of Chile reacts during the friendly match against Haiti at La Portada Stadium in La Serena, Chile, on June 6, 2019, ahead of the upcoming 2019 Copa America in Brazil. EPA.
Colombia player Falcao Garcia participates in a team training session in Bogota, Colombia, on June 2019. EPA
Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez participates in a team training session in Bogota, Colombia. EPA
Carlos Zambrano of Peru during a training session at the Videna facilities in Lima, Peru, on June 2019. EPA
Paraguay coach Eduardo Berizzo conducts a training session at Albiroga Complex in Ypane, near Asuncion, on June 7, 2019, in preparation for the upcoming Copa America Brazil 2019. AFP
Paraguay players, among them Junior Alonso, left, and Miguel Almiron, third left, take part in a training session. AFP
We take a look at the 12 teams taking part in this year's Copa America, where the matches will be played and when the final takes place.
Who is hosting the 2019 Copa America?
This year's tournament will be held in Brazil, the fifth time the South American country has hosted the Copa America. It caps a successful decade of sporting events in Brazil, having staged the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The country will host 26 games at six venues in five cities, with the final to take place at the Maracana in Rio on July 7. The tournament is organised by Conmebol, the South American football governing body.
Who are the Copa America holders?
Chile have won the last two editions of the Copa America. They beat Lionel Messi's Argentina on penalties in the 2015 final on home soil and successfully defended it three years ago when the tournament was held in the United States.
Who are the teams taking part in the 2019 Copa America?
Ten South American teams that qualified and two invitational teams - Japan and Qatar - make up this year's 12-team tournament.
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil (hosts)
Chile (title holders)
Colombia
Ecuador
Japan (invited team)
Paraguay
Peru
Qatar (invited team)
Uruguay
Venezuela
What are the host cities and venues?
Belo Horizonte: Estadio Mineirao
Porto Alegre: Arena do Gremio
Rio de Janeiro: Estadio do Maracana
Salvador: Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova
Sao Paulo: Arena Corinthians, Estadio do Morumbi
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2019 Copa America preparations
Workers prepare a decoration at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil ahead of the 2019 Copa America. The tournament will be held in Brazil from June 14-July 7. EPA
Workers prepare a decoration at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil ahead of the 2019 Copa America. The tournament will be held in Brazil from June 14-July 7. EPA
An aerial view shows the Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA
A general view of a 'bahiana' in Pelourinho, historical centre of Salvador, Brazil. The city's Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova stadium will host several 2019 Copa America matches. EPA
Caricatures of Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Brazil's Neymar in Pelourinho, historical centre of Salvador, Brazil. EPA
General view of the dock of Tororo with the Arena Fonte Nova Stadium in the background, in Salvador, Brazil. EPA
From left: Brazilian singer Leo Santana, the mascot of Copa America 2019 tournament Zizito, Colombian singer Karol G and former Brazil captain Cafu pose during a press conference at Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. EPA
The mascot of Copa America 2019 tournament Zizito poses with former Brazil captain Cafu. EPA
The mascot of Copa America 2019 tournament Zizito. EPA
A general view of Sesc Venda Nova complex in Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The city's Estadio Mineirao will host several 2019 Copa America matches. AFP
A Brazil fan cheers before a friendly match against Honduras at the Beira Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre on June 9, 2019. AFP
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The groups
The 2019 Copa America is made up of three groups of four teams.
Group A
Brazil
Bolivia
Venezuela
Peru
Group B
Argentina
Colombia
Paraguay
Qatar
Group C
Uruguay
Ecuador
Japan
Chile
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Premier League players at the 2019 Copa America
Alisson (Liverpool, Brazil): Runner-up in the Premier League and a Uefa Champions League winner's medal was just reward for a fine season between the posts for Alisson. Recorded 21 shutouts in the Premier League, one more than his main rival for the Brazil No 1 jersey, Ederson. Knows he can afford no slip-ups with such a talented gloveman breathing down his neck. AFP
Roberto Firmino (Liverpool, Brazil): Failed to hit the same goalscoring highs as in 2017/18 but Firmino can still show off a shiny gold Champions League medal for his exploits with Liverpool this campaign. Arguably the hardest working Brazilian striker of all time. AFP
Richarlison (Everton, Brazil): The forward registered 13 goals as Everton secured a top-10 Premier League finish and scored his first international goal in last week's 2-0 friendly win over Qatar. AFP
Fernandinho (Manchester City, Brazil): Few are more accomplished and as disciplined in the role of holding midfielder. Fernandinho is much more than just a destroyer, though. AFP
Willian (Chelsea, Brazil): The winger, 30, has the ability to ghost past defenders inside and out. His searing pace and eye for goal helped Chelsea to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secure the Europa League trophy. Will be a huge asset to the hosts at the Copa America. AFP
Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City, Brazil): Had to be content with a support cast role as the prolific Sergio Aguero fired Manchester City to an historic Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup treble. Jesus' 14 goals in 28 appearances for the national team is likely to give him the edge over Roberto Firmino in Brazil's attack at the Copa. EPA
Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil): Twenty clean sheets for the Brazilian in Manchester City's title-winning Premier League campaign. In direct competition with Liverpool's Alisson for the No 1 jersey. It's hard to remember a time when Brazil possessed two of the world's top goalkeepers. AFP
Salomon Rondon (West Bromwich Albion, Venezuela): The burly forward, 29, proved a shrewd loan acquisition as Newcastle United secured another season of Premier League football. Far from prolific, but Rondon's 11 goals and constant bullying of opposition defenders proved just the tonic in Newcastle's survival bid. With 22 goals, Rondon is his country's second top goalscorer, one behind Juan Arango. AFP
Juan Foyth (Tottenham Hotspur, Argentina): A mixed season at club level with Tottenham Hotspur. While the 21-year-old defender's powers of recovery and anticipation were a plus, his decision making was poor in some games. Was shown a straight red card in Spurs' penultimate game of the Premier League campaign just over a minute after coming on at half time with the North London club already a man down. Should add to his two Argentina caps at the Copa, but manager Lionel Scaloni will need to see signs Foyth can keep his emotions in check in pressure situations. AFP
Roberto Pereyra (Watford, Argentina): Pereyra was part of the Watford team that reached the 2019 FA Cup final, and had a chance to open the scoring before Manchester City seized control to win the final 6-0. With the likes of Leandro Paredes, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala all vying for a creative midfield role, 28-year-old midfielder will find first-team chances hard to come by in Brazil. Reuters
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, Argentina): A goal-machine for both club and country after once again breaking the 30-goal barrier as Manchester City swept all before them to clinch an historic English treble. The 31-year-old striker's 39 goals in 90 Argentina appearances have come often at the expense of being second choice, and of course taking a backseat to Lionel Messi. One of the deadliest finishers in world football, Aguero possesses the goal power to end Argentina's international trophy drought that stretches back to their last Copa America success in 1993. Reuters
Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City, Argentina): Has fallen way down the pecking order at Manchester City, reduced to a bit-part role as Pep Guardiola's side secured an unprecedented English treble of Premier League and both domestic cups. At 31 and with 59 caps, centre-back Otamendi is one of the more senior members of Lionel Scaloni's Argetina squad. Reuters
Yerry Mina (Everton, Colombia): Excelled at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, earning him a big-money move to the Premier League with Everton last summer. Struggled to get to grips with life in England, but can form a potent defensive rearguard alongside Davinson Sanchez at the heart of Colombia's defence. Reuters
David Ospina (Arsenal, Colombia): The goalkeeper, 30, spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Napoli, registering 17 appearances. Has 95 caps for his country, and Colombia will need all that experience if they are to win a first Copa America since 2001. AFP
Jefferson Lima, right (Bournemouth, Colombia): The tough tackling midfielder has 10 international caps and his athleticism is a huge asset. Reuters
Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur, Colombia): The 23-year-old centre-back found himself relegated to a supporting role as Tottenham reached the Uefa Champions League final, ultimately losing to Liverpool 2-0 in the Madrid final. Has failed to replicate his outstanding form in his first season in England in 2017, but his pace and power make him a formidable opponent for strikers to navigate round. Reuters
Fabian Balbuena (West Ham United, Paraguay): The defender, 27, proved a solid acquisition alongside Issa Diop as West Ham secured a 10th-placed Premier League finish. Balbuena will need to be at his best if Paraguay are to shut out Group B rivals Argentina and Colombia. Qatar are the other team in Paraguay's group. Reuters
Miguel Almiron (Newcastle United, Paraguay): Joined the Premier League midway through the 2018/19 season after moving from Atlanta United to Newcastle United for a reported club fee of £21 million. The 25-year-old brought an energy and creative force to Rafa Benitez's staid side to help them comfortably avoid relegation. AFP
Lucas Torreira (Arsenal, Uruguay): The no-nonsense midfielder left a favourable impression on the Premier League after joining Arsenal from Sampdoria last summer. Smooth, intricate passing keeps the midfield engine running and never afraid to get stuck into a tackle. AFP
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United, Ecuador): The versatile 33-year-old is closing in on 100 caps for his country. Endured a poor season at Manchester United where he was sidelined through much of 2018/19 by injury and loss of form. Reuters
Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City, Japan): The 33-year-old striker was instrumental in helping Leicester win the 2016 Premier League title but has largely fallen by the way side since. A tireless workhorse who is most likely to play a bit-part role in Brazil. Japan are one of two invited teams at this year's Copa America, alongside Qatar. AFP
Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United, Chile): The forward, 30, scored only two goals for Manchester United in 2018/19 and is fast being viewed as the most expensive flop in the club's history. Has pedigree in the Copa, though, having won the last two editions with Chile. AFP
In the knockout stage, if a match is tied after 90 minutes:
In the quarter-finals, extra time is not played, and the match is decided by a penalty shoot-out.
In the semi-finals, third place play-off and final, extra time is played, where a fourth substitute will be allowed for each team. If still tied after extra time, the match is decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Quarter-finals
June 27
Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (Brazil win 4-3 on penalties) - report
The top two finishers from each group and the top two third-place teams advance to the quarter-finals.
When is the 2019 Copa America final?
The final takes place at the world famous Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The match is slated for a 5pm local time kick off, or midnight in the UAE.
Who to watch out for?
Can Lionel Messi finally win an international tournament to go with the treasure trove of medals collected at Barcelona?
Some believe (this reporter among them) that even if Messi never kicked another ball again, he would still be the greatest player of all time.
Others, and there are plenty of them, believe that to truly surpass the likes of Pele, nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo, and Argentina's other famous No 10 Diego Maradona, that Messi has to win a gold medal at the World Cup or the Copa America go out on his own as the best to ever put boot to ball.
Messi will be 34 by the time the 2022 World Cup rolls around, so you feel this represents his a final chance to lift a trophy with his country.
Scorer of more than 600 goals, including 65 for in Argentina colours, Messi has had opportunities to win this tournament before, losing two finals, in 2008 and 2016. He also finished a runner-up at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
With Neymar ruled out for the hosts Brazil with an ankle injury, Messi may sense it's his best chance to win that elusive international trophy.
Can Lionel Messi finally beat Copa America jinx and guide Argentina to title?
