Copa America Group B fixtures and predictions: El Tri to top the tree

Copa America Group B may lack the heavy-hitters present in other groups. But in Ecuador, Jamaica, Venezuela and Mexico, this group has a fascinating mix of evenly-matched sides, perfectly poised for three exciting and winnable games each.

Copa America Group B fixtures

Copa America Group B predictions

Group Winners: Mexico

We’re backing Mexico to top Group B. Firstly, Mexico have by far the most international pedigree of the teams in the group, having won 12 Gold Cups (including in 2023), the 1999 Confederations Cup and five Copa America podium finishes.

Secondly, Mexico have superior head-to-head records against all three of their opponents.

And although El Tri may not have a golden generation as they have in decades past, they do boast Santiago Gimenez up front. The 23-year-old has scored 46 goals for Feyenoord across the last two seasons, and is one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers.

Runners Up: Ecuador

Ecuador come into this tournament in their finest form for some time. Unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, the only game they have lost in World Cup qualifying so far was a tight 1-0 loss to world champions Argentina.

Ecuador boast a handful of fine players too. Bundesliga duo Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie are highly rated at the back.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo is the most expensive Premier League player of all time. And in attack, captain and record scorer Enner Valencia leads the line.

The Ecuadorians were unfortunate to exit the 2022 World Cup at the group stage. They will not make the same mistake here.

Third Place (eliminated): Venezuela

Currently an impressive fourth place in South America’s World Cup qualifying table, we expect Venezuela to push hard in this group, but just miss out.

Led by captain and record appearance-maker Tomas Rincon (who is nicknamed El General), Venezuela will make life difficult for their opponents, having conceded just three in their six World Cup qualifying matches.

But La Vinotinto’s 54th ranking in the FIFA World Rankings does not lie. Aside from ageing striker Salomon Rondon, Venezuela lack a cutting edge in the final third.

To finish bottom: Jamaica

Just as in the latest iteration of FIFA’s World Rankings, we expect Jamaica to place one spot behind Venezuela.

Jamaica are beginning to build a solid squad, as more and more UK based players change their allegiances to the Carribean island. The likes of Michail Antonio, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Michael Hector now turn out in yellow, black and green.

But a successful Copa America may still be a bridge too far for The Reggae Boyz, as this is their first appearance at the storied tournament.

There is also a chance they will be without starman Leon Bailey, who was left out of the most recent squad, and has a complicated history with representing his national side.

Group B Winners – Potential quarter-final opponents

If everything goes as the bookmakers expect, Mexico will take on Peru in the quarter-finals.

El Tri would feel confident of defeating Los Incas, given that they are rock-bottom of the South American World Cup qualification table, with just two points from their six games and a solitary goal. 

Mexico also have the superior head-to-head record, having won 13, compared to nine defeats.

One potential twist could be an all-North American quarter-final with Canada, should Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies fire the Canucks to Group A success.

Ecuador, however, will have a chance to inflict the tournament’s first knockout giant-killing, as they will almost certainly face Lionel Messi’s all-conquering Argentina if they finish second as expected.