The 2016 Copa America Centenario Draw was conducted at New York City's famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Sunday evening. The United States emerged with what is largely considered the group of death, meaning the nation will have one of the harder roads to advance from through the group stage.
“The message to all our fans is to take it all in,” said U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “This is unique. The Copa America, especially the 100th anniversary, it never comes back. And as a host, the United States, this is to celebrate soccer. To show that soccer has developed tremendously over the last couple of decades.”
Soccer fans within the Bay Area should be excited about the draw, as it lines up many quality opponents to compete at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, which hosts matches from Groups A, C and D. It also hosts the opening match of the tournament between the United States and Colombia on June 3.
Full Schedule for Levi’s® Stadium:
Group Stage
June 3 United States vs. Colombia
June 6 Argentina vs. Chile
June 13 Uruguay vs. Jamaica
Quarterfinals
June 18 1C vs. 2D
The Bay Area will get to watch numerous world-class players, including Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez (Colombia), FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay) and Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal (Chile).
Earthquakes fans may also have an opportunity to watch several of their own take the field, with players from both the U.S. and Jamaica fighting for roster spots. In addition, Anibal Godoy will most certainly represent Panama as well, which has an opportunity to play at Levi’s in the quarterfinal should they finish second in Group D.
“I have family coming over so I’m going to try and organize it so they can be there – it’s basically a home game,” said Earthquakes midfielder and Jamaica National Team hopeful Simon Dawkins. “If I make it, then my family can come and see me play for San Jose and for my country which would be great. I’d be hoping to see a few Quakes fans so they can make it like a home game for me. You get extra support when you play for your national team in your home city and I can’t wait for it.”
The quarterfinal at Levi’s pits the winner of Group C vs. the runner up of Group D. Possible teams for the match include Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, among others.
Group A
A1: USA
A2: Colombia
A3: Costa Rica
A4: Paraguay
Group B
B1: Brazil
B2: Ecuador
B3: Haiti
B4: Peru
Group C
C1: Mexico
C2: Uruguay
C3: Jamaica
C4: Venezuela
Group D
D1: Argentina
D2: Chile
D3: Panama
D4: Bolivia
