Copa America 2024 Team Previews: Jamaica
The 2024 Copa America begins on June 20th in the United States, with six CONCACAF teams set to compete in the tournament. Over the next couple of weeks, we will preview every team playing in the competition. Up next from the Carribean: Jamaica!
The Caribbean team will return to the Copa America after missing the last two. Ranked 55th in the latest FIFA rankings, Jamaica looks to improve from their previous attempts.
Copa America Appearances
This will be the “Reggae Boyz” third Copa America appearance. Jamaica has appeared in the tournament in 2015 and 2016 but did not have great showings.
Best Finish in Copa America
In the two appearances in the Copa America for Jamaica, both were group-stage exits. With a group that isn’t that strong, the Jamaican National Team has a chance to make it to the knockout rounds for the first time.
Key Players
While not the most heavily stacked squad, there are still some notable names on the team. Former Premier League champion Demarai Gray will play in his first Copa America for Jamaica. Bringing more Premier League experience to the team is current Fulham midfielder Bobby De Cordova Reid.
The Jamaican National Team will be without longtime keeper Andre Blake, who has suffered an injury that will keep him sidelined and will have to play with their backup Jahmali Waite.
Manager
Jamaica will have Icelandic manager Heimir Hallgrímsson at the helm for the Copa America. Hallgrímsson has managed the Jamaican National Team since 2022, leading them to third place in the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League and semifinalist in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Biggest Game — vs Mexico on June 22th
Opening the matchup to the Copa America against Mexico will be the hardest. If Jamaica were to lose against Mexico in the first game of the group stage, they would face another dark horse in Ecuador. The “easy” game against Venezuela would close out the group stage, forcing Jamaica to be ready to win from the jump.
Prediction
Jamaica will finish second in the group behind Mexico, advancing to the knockout rounds. In the quarterfinal of the Copa America, the “Reggae Boyz” will play 2022 World Cup champions Argentina and get eliminated.
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