The 2024 Copa America has so far lived up to expectations.
Through June and July, the best national teams from North, South and Central America are gathering in the USA for the 48th edition of the continental tournament, with CONMEBOL heavyweights such as Brazil and Argentina going toe-to-toe with six invited guest nations from CONCACAF.
Some of those teams have lasted longer than others; Canada have made the quarterfinals on their debut in the tournament but the USA and Mexico are among the sides who were sent out early after failing to make it out of their groups.
With the tournament just over halfway through, we have now reached a pivotal point as the knockout phase begins — but first, there will be a pause.
The Sporting News explains why there are no games taking place at the Copa America today, and when the quarterfinal slate gets up and running.
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When do Copa America quarterfinals start?
The Copa America quarterfinals are now set, with Brazil and Colombia taking the last available places after a 1-1 draw to finish Group D on Tuesday.
They joined defending champions Argentina as well as Canada, Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay and Panama in the last eight.
From here, the bracket is pre-determined. The winners of Group A (Argentina) will take on the runners-up from Group B (Ecuador) and vice-versa in the other pools.
Here’s how the schedule looks:
DateTime (ET)MatchLocationThu, Jul. 49 p.m.QF1: Argentina vs. EcuadorHouston, TX (NRG Stadium)Fri, Jul. 59 p.m.QF2: Venezuela vs. CanadaArlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)Sat, Jul. 66 p.m.QF3: Uruguay vs. BrazilLas Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium)Sat, Jul. 69 p.m.QF4: Colombia vs. PanamaGlendale, AZ (State Farm Stadium)
Why are there no games at Copa America today?
Those quarterfinal games begin on July 4 with Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Ecuador, meaning there are no games on July 3.
Traditionally at major tournaments, there is a “rest day” between the group stages ending and the knockout phase beginning, with all the sides involved given an extra day free from action to prepare.
This is the same at Euro 2024, which is running at the same time as the Copa, and has also reached the quarterfinal stage.
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Copa America 2024 knockout stage schedule, fixtures and results
The knockout stage of the competition will begin on July 4, running through to the final in Miami on July 14.
Copa America 2024 QuarterfinalsDateTime (ET)MatchLocationThu, Jul. 49 p.m.QF1: Argentina vs. EcuadorHouston, TX (NRG Stadium)Fri, Jul. 59 p.m.QF2: Venezuela vs. CanadaArlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)Sat, Jul. 66 p.m.QF3: Uruguay vs. BrazilLas Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium)Sat, Jul. 69 p.m.QF4: Colombia vs. PanamaGlendale, AZ (State Farm Stadium)Copa America 2024 SemifinalsCopa America 2024 third-place matchDateTime (ET)Match (click to buy tickets)LocationSat, Jul. 138 p.m.SF loser vs. SF loserCharlotte, NC (Bank of America Stadium)Copa America 2024 FinalDateTime (ET)Match (click to buy tickets)LocationSun, Jul. 148 p.m.SF winner vs. SF winnerHard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)