Copa America Ultimate Fan Guide: Groups, TV Schedule, South Florida Watch Parties
Copa America, the 108-year-old South American soccer championship, is being hosted in the United States for the second time in history starting next week. For those unfamiliar with the sport, this tournament is a really big deal.
It isn’t quite the World Cup, but it’s the next-best thing, along with the European Championships, which kicked off Friday in Germany. Pele, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Neymar and Lionel Messi are among the greats who have played in it.
During the next month, at 14 U.S. venues, including Hard Rock Stadium, all 10 South American national teams and six teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean will compete in this special expanded version of the Copa.
The tournament is loaded with compelling story lines: Will Inter Miami star Messi and his Argentina teammates defend their Copa America title? How far will Luis Suarez go with Uruguay in what will likely be his last Copa? Will Colombia keep its 23-game unbeaten streak alive? Is this Brazil team good enough to go all the way? Finally, which Team USA will show up? The one that lost 5-1 to Colombia a few weeks ago, or the one that tied Brazil in Orlando in its final warmup match?
We are about to find out.
To get you prepared, here is the COPA AMERICA 2024 ULTIMATE FAN GUIDE, which includes the full TV schedule, Groups, and local Watch Parties.
COPA AMERICA 2024 ULTIMATE FAN GUIDE
▪ What: South American quadrennial championship (like a World Cup of the Americas), established in 1916. Special edition this year as it is being hosted in the United States and will include the 10 South American national teams and six teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
▪ When: June 20-July 14
THE GROUPS:
Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada
Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica
Group C: USA, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia
Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica
▪ Where: 13 U.S. cities, including Miami.
Miami games at Hard Rock Stadium: Uruguay vs. Panama June 23, Argentina (Lionel Messi!) vs Peru June 29 and Copa America Final on July 14.
The other venues: Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Arena), Austin (Q2 Stadium), Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium AND Children’s Mercy Park), Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Orlando (Inter&Co Stadium), Phoenix (State Farm Stadium), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)
▪ Tournament format: The teams play three group stage games, the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. The bottom two teams are eliminated.
▪ Defending champion: Argentina.
▪ How to watch: Fox Sports holds the English-language rights and will broadcast every game on its Fox, FS1 and FS2 channels. Spanish-language broadcasts will be on Univision, UniMas, TUDN.
▪ Ticket information: Ticketmaster.com, also available on secondary market through stubhub.com, seatgeek.com and vividseats.com
▪ Travel packages: ABSOLUT SPORT has packages ranging from Follow Your Team packages to Individual Match Packages that include hotel and tickets. For information, go to absolutsport-copaamerica.com
▪ Luxury/Premium Experiences: Beyond Hospitality, the Official Hospitality provider of CONMEBOL COPA AMERICA 2024 has curated spectacular hospitality experiences for an extraordinary game day.
The premium and distinguished Insignia Lounge: Best-located padded seats on the half-way line, six-course menu by a celebrated chef featuring signature dishes and live cooking stations, welcome beverage on arrival, commemorative gift, reserved tables for groups of 8 or more: https://www.copaamericahospitality.com/insignia-lounge/
The stylish and sophisticated Copa Lounge: Premium location with superior comfort and excellent views, access to a sophisticated lounge offering stylish shared hospitality, a trendy four-course menu, chef-curated local specialties, a commemorative gift and more: https://www.copaamericahospitality.com/copa-lounge/
The comfortable and convenient Club Copa: Shared hospitality, preferred seating with fantastic views, deli style menu with local “street food” inspired dishes, a commemorative gift and more: https://www.copaamericahospitality.com/club-copa/
Copa America TV Schedule
Group stage
Thursday: OPENING GAME
Argentina vs. Canada (Atlanta, Georgia), 8 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Friday, June 21
Peru vs. Chile (Arlington, Texas), 8 p.m., FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Saturday, June 22
Ecuador vs. Venezuela (Santa Clara, California), 6 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Mexico vs. Jamaica (Houston, Texas), 9 p.m., FS, Univision, TUDN
Sunday, June 23
USA vs. Bolivia (Arlington, Texas), 6 p.m., FOX, Univision, TUDN
Uruguay vs. Panama (Miami Gardens, Florida), 9 p.m., FOX, Univision, TUDN
Monday, June 24
Colombia vs. Paraguay (Houston, Texas), 6 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Brazil vs. Costa Rica (Inglewood, California), 9 p.m., FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Tuesday, June 25
Peru vs. Canada (Kansas City, Kansas), 6 p.m., FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Chile vs. Argentina (East Rutherford, New Jersey), 9 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Wednesday, June 26
Ecuador vs. Jamaica (Las Vegas, Nevada), 6 p.m., FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Venezuela vs. Mexico (Inglewood, California), 9 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Thursday, June 27
Panama vs. USA (Atlanta, Georgia), 6 p.m., FOX, Univision, TUDN
Uruguay vs. Bolivia (East Rutherford, New Jersey), 9 p.m., FOX, UniMas, TUDN
Friday, June 28
Colombia vs. Costa Rica (Glendale, Arizona), 6 p.m., FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Paraguay vs. Brazil (Las Vegas, Nevada), 9 p.m. FS1, UniMas, TUDN
Saturday, June 29
Argentina vs. Peru (Miami Gardens, Florida), 8 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Canada vs.Chile (Orlando, Florida), 8 p.m., FS2, UniMas
Sunday, June 30
Mexico vs. Ecuador (Glendale, Arizona), 8 p.m., FOX, Univision, TUDN
Jamaica vs. Venezuela (Austin, Texas), 8 p.m., FS1, UniMas
Monday, July 1
USA vs. Uruguay (Kansas City, Missouri), 9 p.m, FS1, Univision, TUDN
Bolivia vs. Panama (Orlando, Florida), 9 p.m., FS2, UniMas
Tuesday, July 2
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay (Austin, Texas), 9 p.m., FS2, UniMas
Brazil vs. Colombia (Santa Clara, California), 9 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 4
Match 25: Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up (Houston, Texas), 9 p.m., FOX, Univision, TUDN
Friday, July 5
Match 26: Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up (Arlington, Texas), 9 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Saturday, July 6
Match 28: Group D winner vs. Group C runner-up (Glendale, Arizona), 6 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Match 27: Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up (Las Vegas, Nevada) 9 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 9
Match 25 winner vs. Match 26 winner (East Rutherford, New Jersey) 8 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Wednesday, July 10
Match 27 winner vs. Match 28 winner (Charlotte, North Carolina) 8 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
Third-place game
Saturday, July 13
Semifinal loser 1 vs. Semifinal loser 2 (Charlotte, North Carolina) 8 p.m., FS1, Univision, TUDN
FINAL: CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Sunday, July 14
Argentina vs. Colombia (Miami Gardens, Florida), 8 p.m. FOX, Univision, TUDN
South Florida Watch Parties/Events
If you can’t get to the stadium and want to watch with other soccer fans, here are some options…
▪ Fanzone Albiceleste AFA: The House of Futbol (Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Miami)
Argentine soccer pop up experience. Open daily through Sunday, July 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m, this pop-up offers an immersive celebration tailored to devoted fans of Argentina soccer. This museum invites guests to embark on a journey into the rich history of Argentina football through captivating exhibitions, including a fan zone, lively football-themed games and activities, and more. To purchase tickets, please visit Albiceleste Museum Ticketing Site. Fanzone Albiceleste activations are located on the second floor (museum) with an outdoor area (music and activities) on the ground floor.
▪ Tamias Official Fan Zone for CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 at Wynwood Marketplace, (2250 NW 2nd Ave. Miami) Tamias and CONMEBOL teamed up with SWARM and Wynwood Marketplace to present the official Copa America USA 2024 Fan Zone, which includes big screens, fan activations, concerts, and food. The event is free for fans for the championship game watch party July 14th.
▪ Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
Catch the Copa America final at a poolside watch party on Sunday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The hotel’s Arkadia Day Club transforms into the ultimate viewing destination for adults 21 and over. Cheer alongside fellow fans, decked out in your team’s colors, and enjoy the game on a big screen. Cabana and daybed packages are available for groups, or opt for general admission which includes a complimentary beer with additional food and drinks for purchase. Tickets start at $25. Call (305) 338-2000 for information or check the website. https://www.fontainebleau.com/miamibeach/event-calendar/copa-america-poolside-watch-party/
▪ Eden Roc Hotel (4525 Collins Ave. Miami Beach)
Copa América Final Viewing Party on the big screen outdoors at Ocean Social & Aquatica Pool from 7-11 p.m. Two Viewing Venues:
- Ocean Social - Reserve your seats in the oceanfront outdoor (covered) restaurant. Take in the cool salty ocean breeze with beer and food.
- Aquatica - Our lower level pool with large backyard. Watch the game on the big screens with sound on the turf, under the garden lights and stars. With plenty of seating, bring the entire family. Garden games available.
Admission is free and attendees of all ages are welcome. All food and drink will be available for purchase. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. We kindly request a complimentary RSVP.
▪ Manolo’s Restaurant (7300 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
Argentine bakery/restaurant is always a favorite gathering spot for fans of La Albiceleste.
▪ Novecento CityPlace, Doral, (8300 NW 36th St.)
Argentinean restaurant Novecento will host watch party. Reservations for the watch parties are strongly suggested and can be made on OpenTable or by calling 786.871.4935.
▪ Fritz and Franz Bierhaus (60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables) One of South Florida’s legendary soccer watching venues just got a new lease, and that’s great news for fans, who can watch all the Copa America matches while sampling beers and loading up on hot pretzels, schnitzels and bratwurst.
▪ Pilo’s Tequila Garden (158 Northwest 24th St. Wynwood)
Colombian watch party with drink specials. Reserve your spot now by dialing 305-204-1452. Must be 21-over.
▪ La Matriarca Colombian restaurant (2255 NW 87 Ave. Doral)
Popular Colombian restaurant hosting a watch party for the final, including many drink specials. Go to lamatriarca.com for more information.
▪ FunDimension (2129 NW 1st Ct., Wynwood)
Giant indoor and outdoor screens. Watch the game and play arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, etc...before, at halftime, and after. Food and drink specials.
▪ Le Chick (310 NW 24 St., Wynwood) Watch all matches through July 14 in a weather-proof lounge, enjoy $5 beers and $7 shots, wood fired wings. Participate in free match day brackets with the chance to win prizes. Table reservations are highly recommended. Please email reservations@lechickmiami.com to book your table in advance. Dress Code: Favorite Team Gear.
▪ The Clevelander, (1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach)
With its partnership with KRÜ, The Clevelander is the Official Parties of Leo Messi & Kun Aguero. The popular Miami Beach venue has been showing all Copa games. For details and schedule, www.clevelander.com/weekly-special-events/events
▪ Lowe’s home improvement store (850 NE 167 St, North Miami Beach)
If you have been watching Copa America on TV, surely you have seen the Lowe’s commercials featuring Lionel Messi. The store recently partnered with Messi, Inter Miami and Copa America and will host a watch party for the final. Festivities include a Meet-and-Greet with retired Argentine star Maxi Rodriguez from 7:05 – 7:40 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Rodriguez and announcer Luis Omar Tapia from 7:40 – 7:55 p.m.. Also, food trucks, kids games, photo booth, face painting.
▪ Veza Sur brewery (55 NW 25 St, Wynwood)
Colombian-American brewery hosting a watch party with drink specials.
▪ The Brightside, Miami. (1721 SW 22nd St., Miami)
A favorite spot for USA fans, but with the red, white, and blue bounced in the group stage, it’s still a good spot to watch soccer.
▪ Biscayne Bay Brewing Co. (100 NE First Ave, 3rd floor, Miami)
Catch all the Copa America action at Biscayne Bay Brewing. This locally-owned brewery located in the heart of Downtown Miami will be showing the Copa America final on their flat-screen TVs surrounding the wrap-around bar and on their massive projector screen. During the games fanatics can enjoy unbeatable specials, including $50 beer towers and $5 beers! Pair your beer with their juicy burgers, tequeños, Margherita flatbread, 1/2 lb bucket of fries and more!Savor their 6-core beers, all $5 during games.
▪ Batch Gastropub Miami (30 SW 12th St, Miami)
Reservation Link: https://www.batchgastropub.com/reservations/ Catch the most highly anticipated Copa America and Euro 2024 games at Batch Gastropub in Brickell! Enjoy game day specials, including 5 for $30 mix-and-match 16oz beer buckets, $5 Bud Light drafts, and $5 Barn Burner shots. Savor delicious food offerings such as crispy calamari, truffle fries, and signature Batch wings. Indulge in hearty mains like the Batch burger, short rib birria quesadilla, baby back ribs, and more.
▪ Cathedral Soccer (2728 Northeast 2nd Ave., Miami)
Good spot for soccer fans of all nations.
▪ Amara at Paraiso (3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami)
Join us for the ultimate Copa America soccer viewing parties through July 14th. Catch all the action live on our TV with sound during game times. Enjoy a Monopolio bucket of 5 beers for $25 or a refreshing Fernet & Coke for $12. Enjoy delicious bites like Yucca Tots with Huancaina and Vinaigrette, Provoleta with Tostones, and Bolon a Verde. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of soccer, great food, and refreshing drinks. More information: https://amaraatparaiso.com/copa-america-viewing/
▪ Grails Restaurant & Bar (2800 North Miami Avenue Miami) This popular Wynwood spot offers ice-cold beers, food, 70+ HD TVs and a passionate Copa America 2024 community.
▪ Julia & Henry’s (200 E. Flagler St., Miami)
Watch parties with food and drink specials.
▪ Hooters (Locations in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Doral, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Weston, Bradenton, Ft. Myers, Naples, Sarasota) Visit your neighborhood Hooters during the Copa America tournament and catch the soccer action while enjoying world famous Hooters wings and other favorite menu items. Enjoy $15 Michelob Ultra pitchers (the beer Lionel Messi promotes) during all live Copa matches.
▪ Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)
The Rhythm Foundation proudly presents a free screening of the final match of the Copa America 2024 on July 14.
Other Copa-related events...
▪ Aventura Mall Mastercard Copa America Week-long Fan Fest (Aventura Mall)
- Interactive installations include a circular soccer turf, kicking challenges, country jersey displays, a 3D soccer ball photo op, and a soccer obstacle course.
- Located near Bloomingdale’s in the Lower Level, this partnership between MasterCard and Aventura Mall creates the ultimate destination for Copa America enthusiasts of all ages.
(If you would like your restaurant/bar to be added to our Copa America Watch Party list, please email mkaufman@miamiherald.com)
This story was originally published June 14, 2024 at 4:41 PM.