1
LAST RANKING: 1
We knew Argentina were good going in, but against Chile, they were downright explosive. Best attack we’ve seen in this Copa America and that was without Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero (he played just 16 minutes).
Latest result: Won vs. Chile, 2-1
Next match: June 10 vs. Panama (9:30 pm ET; FOX/UniMás/UDN)
2
LAST RANKING: 2
It feels like Mexico have the right coach at the right time, with the right group of players. Juan Carlos Osorio put on a tactical masterclass in a dominant performance against Uruguay and confidence is sky high as El Tri's 20-match unbeaten run continues.
Latest result: Won vs. Uruguay, 3-1
Next match: June 9 vs. Jamaica (10:30 pm ET; FS1/Univision/UDN)
3
LAST RANKING: 3
With a helping hand from the USA, it felt like Colombia didn’t even have to exert themselves in what proved to be an emotional opening match. The easy start should see them glide through Group A.
Latest result: Won vs. USA, 2-0
Next match: June 7 vs. Paraguay (10:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
4
LAST RANKING: 4
That Ecuador squad is a lively bunch and now there’s also a bit of a swagger about them, a belief that comes from being on top of South American World Cup qualifying and having an experienced enough side to go toe-to-toe with Brazil. They’re going to be a tough out.
Latest result: Drew vs. Brazil, 0-0
Next match: June 8 vs. Peru (10 pm ET; FS2/UniMás/UDN)
5
LAST RANKING: 5
Defending champions Chile were exactly what we all expected: a scrappy side with enough world-class quality to give a team like Argentina problems.
Latest result: Lost vs. Argentina, 2-1
Next match: June 10 vs. Bolivia (7 pm ET; FOX/UniMás/UDN)
6
LAST RANKING: 6
Whatever their limitations, Uruguay are always in it (aka La Garra Charrua, which is a real thing). They proved it again in their short-lived comeback bid vs. Mexico. But that won't be enough to go far in this Copa if they don’t get a healthy Luis Suarez back.
Latest result: Lost vs. Mexico, 3-1
Next match: June 9 vs. Venezuela (7:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
7
LAST RANKING: 7
When they’re in the mood, Panama can make some noise. If their win vs. Bolivia in their Copa America debut is any indication, Argentina and Chile have a fight on their hands.
Latest result: Won vs. Panama, 2-1
Next match: June 10 vs. Argentina (9:30 pm ET; FOX/UniMás/UDN)
8
LAST RANKING: 8
Brazil are good, but not great. And not only did they lack ideas in their Group B opener, but they were also exposed in the back on a few occasions. Unless Dunga makes some inspired changes, this is a Brazil team that is ripe for the taking and maybe even a surprise result against Haiti.
Latest result: Drew vs. Ecuador, 0-0
Next match: June 8 vs. Haiti (7:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
9
LAST RANKING: 9
Venezuela were ruthless against Jamaica, taking advantage of everything the game gave them for a 1-0 win. When you’re an underdog like they are, you need every edge you can get. But with Mexico and Uruguay up next, they’re going to need more than luck to survive.
Latest result: Won vs. Jamaica, 1-0
Next match: June 9 vs. Uruguay (7:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
10
LAST RANKING: 10
The unluckiest team in the tournament after the first round of matches was Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz deserved more vs. Venezuela and they could’ve pulled out at least a point were it not for a red card, a missed PK call and a shot that struck the woodwork. After their participation in the tournament last year, what’s clear is that they’re not overawed.
Latest result: Lost vs. Venezuela, 1-0
Next match: June 9 vs. Mexico (10 pm ET; FS1/Univision/UDN)
11
LAST RANKING: 11
Carrying the weight of massive expectations in the inaugural match and facing a hostile crowd on home soil, it’s almost understandable how the USA locked up against Colombia after giving up an early goal and a PK before halftime. Things get easier from here on out for them.
Latest result: Lost vs. Colombia, 2-0
Next match: June 7 vs. Costa Rica (8 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
12
LAST RANKING: 12
If only Paraguay had someone to put the ball in the net, they’d be a formidable side capable of a deep run in this Copa. But with Seattle’s Nelson Haedo Valdez on the bench and their average starters misfiring, they need to shake up their attacking personnel to have a chance at the knockouts.
Latest result: Drew vs. Costa Rica, 0-0
Next match: June 7 vs. Colombia (10:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
13
LAST RANKING: 13
Peru were efficient, though not spectacular against an inferior opponent in Haiti, confirming the doubts about their credentials in a tournament like this. They’ll need Paolo Guerrero to continue to be efficient in front of goal because they won’t be getting many chances against Brazil and Ecuador.
Latest result: Won vs. Haiti, 1-0
Next match: June 8 vs. Ecuador (10 pm ET; FS2/UniMás/UDN)
14
LAST RANKING: 14
We’ve seen this script before from Costa Rica: tidy tactical shape and organization and plenty of hustle in the hope of a moment of brilliance from Bryan Ruiz or Joel Campbell. That moment didn’t come against Paraguay, which explains the scoreless draw. And if it doesn’t come, it’ll be a short Copa stay for the Ticos.
Latest result: Drew vs. Paraguay, 0-0
Next match: June 7 vs. USA (8 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
15
LAST RANKING: 15
Once Haiti finally settled down against Peru, they were a handful and nearly tied the match in stoppage time. If they don’t let the moment get to them against Brazil and Ecuador, they have the athleticism and speed to pull off a surprise, although they’d realistically need two of them to make it out of Group B.
Latest result: Lost vs. Peru, 1-0
Next match: June 8 vs. Brazil (7:30 pm ET; FS1/UniMás/UDN)
16
LAST RANKING: 16
Bolivia are the weakest side in this Copa America, but they were still no pushovers in their loss vs. Panama, showing improvement from their 4-0 pre-tournament debacle against the USA. But they’re still staring a three-and-out right in the face.
Latest result: Lost vs. Panama, 2-1
Next match: June 10 vs. Chile (7 pm ET; FOX/UniMás/UDN)
Rankings are voted on by MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and remarks were written by Editor-in-Chief Simon Borg.
