Mexico, Ecuador to Battle for Group B Supremacy

It is the most wide open group at Copa with every team listed as plus money to finish first. This

group features two of the lowest ranked teams in the tournament with Venezuela and Jamaica.

Still, one upset can turn this group upside down. But Mexico are the slight favorites as they

have ‘home field’ advantage. Mexican supporters will be out in bunches and that could be the

difference from finishing first, or second for Mexico.

Mexico +130 (Rank: #14)

Despite winning the Gold Cup in 2023, there is immense pressure on Mexico heading into

Copa. They’ve lost twice in June to global powers, Brazil and Uruguay and now must rely on

untested goalkeeping after leaving veteran Memo Ochoa off the squad. West Ham midfielder

Edson Alvarez will be counted on heavily to lead this team and El Tri will need output from

Santiago Gimenez and Julian Quinones up front. The Mexicans are good enough to get results

in all matches, but likely need two wins to secure the group.

Ecuador +140 (Rank: #31)

Since the turn of the century, Ecuador has been ousted in the group stage in 6 of their eight

appearances. They made the 2022 World Cup only to flame out in the group phase.

Ecuador added former Qatar manager Felix Sanchez Bas and have seen some progress since.

In World Cup qualifying, they are unbeaten in five and have three clean sheets. The defense is

what will help this side advance, and maybe pull off an upset to win the group.

Venezuela +550 (Rank: #54)

When you rely on a 34-year old striker, your chances may be limited to get out of this group.

Salomon Rondon is a threat up front, and recently scored a couple of goals for his club team

Pachuca, in the Champions Cup final. But he’ll be relied on heavily as the team lacks quality

players with most of them playing in the Americans, and not overseas. They have lost just once

in six World Cup qualifiers. They are stubborn and could find a way to get through to the

knockout stage for just the sixth time in 20 tournament appearances.

Jamaica +950 (Rank: #55)

Jamaica is back in the Copa America for the first time since 2016 but haven’t fared well at this

tournament bowing out in the group stage in 2015 and 2016. They lost all six matches without

scoring a goal. The Reggae-Boyz are hoping to change that with a roster filled with talent

including Michail Antonio, who plays at West Ham. They are riding their confidence in 2024

losing just once in six matches.

Group B Winner Odds

Mexico +130 Ecuador +140

Venezuela +550 Jamaica +950

Group B Fixtures & Schedule

June 21 – Ecuador vs Venezuela

June 22 – Mexico vs Jamaica

June 26 – Ecuador vs Jamaica

Jun 27 – Venezuela vs México

July 1 – Jamaica vs Venezuela

July 1 – Mexico vs Ecuador