USA, Uruguay, in 2-Team Horse Race to Win Group C
Group C essentially is a race to the finish between Uruguay and the hosts, the Americans. Both
sides are heavy favorites to advance from this group but who will finish on top. The runner-up
here, will likely get powerhouse Brazil in the knockout stage. And is there any chance one of
the other two can pull off the major upset? We’ll break things down in Group C.
Uruguay -160 (Rank: #15)
Uruguay has struggled in recent tournaments, bowing out in the quarters at the 2021 Copa, and
not getting out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup. But this is still one of the most skilled
and dangerous nations in the world. Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez are menacing up front, and
Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri could give defenses a major headache. Uruguay
has eight wins, three draws and just one loss since that disappointment in Qatar and will try to
prove their better than what we saw. If Uruguay can take this group, they could make a deep
run in what is likely Suarez’s last Copa.
USA +150 (Rank: #11)
The U.S. has home field advantage but is coming off an embarrassing 5-1 shallacking by
Colombia. Many feel this is a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup and there is added
pressure for a good showing. Captain Christian Pulisic is a global star and has a better
supporting cast around him, perhaps the best in some time. There are still question marks on
the backend, which Colombia exposed. The good news is the Americans should advance out of
this group. The bad news is, they’ll likely face Brazil or Colombia in the quarters.
Panama +2000 (Rank: #45)
Panama were a surprise runner-up at last year’s Gold Cup after upsetting the U.S. in the semi
final. Unfortunately, Panama lacks scoring. In June, they lost to Mexico in Nations League play
and could not score despite 18 shots. They likely won’t pose much of a threat against the top
two sides, but can leave with some confidence with a result against Bolivia.
Bolivia +2200 (Rank: #85)
Bolivia is the lowest ranked team at Copa America and shouldn’t have much succes at this
tournament. Their all-time leading scorer, Marcelo Martins Moreno retired earlier this year and
five others are not playing due to injury or hanging up their cleats. Bolivia has lost eight of the
last ten matches including five of six World Cup qualifiers and have been outscored 20-8 in that
stretch. They could be the team that allows the most goals at Copa.
Group C Winner Odds
Uruguay -160 USA +150
Panama +2000 Bolivia +2200
Group C Fixtures & Schedule
June 23 – United States vs Bolivia
June 23 – Uruguay vs Panama
June 27 – Panama vs United States
June 27 – Uruguay vs Bolivia
July 1 – Bolivia vs Panama
July 1 – United States vs Uruguay