The group stage at the 2024 Copa América is over. Eight teams have advanced to the tournament’s quarterfinals knockout stages, which begin on Thursday.
Argentina will open knockout stage play against Ecuador as the competition’s sole match on Thursday night. Superstar Lionel Messi will likely make his return from the leg injury he suffered a week prior as he tries to help lead his nation to a second consecutive Copa América title. The 37 year old missed Argentina’s final group stage match against Peru on Saturday.
The 2022 World Cup winners advanced out of Group A as its leaders after winning all three games.
WANNA BET?Check out new customer offers with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting apps
Ecuador were the runners-up in Group B and made it to the knockout stage with a win over Jamaica and a draw with Mexico. La Tricolor’s +1 goal differential was enough to give the Ecuadorian team the tiebreaker over Mexico and move on.
Here’s what to know about the opening match of the 2024 Copa América quarterfinals.
There is only one match on Thursday, July 4. It is the first contest in the knockout stage of this year’s tournament and will determine which team moves on to the semifinals.
LIONEL MESSI:Back to practice with Argentina, will he make Copa América return?
The 2024 Copa América will be broadcast across multiple channels and streaming services over the course of the tournament.
HOW TO WATCH:See the full slate of Copa America games with a fuboTV subscription
Argentina is the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, according to BetMGM soccer odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering 2024 sports betting promos.
Odds as of Wednesday.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

source