That is what I was thinking. Maybe the Group Stage will have some travel but the Knockouts will more than likely be regional.
yes, I think its the first part - to increase the likelihood of a ARG-BRA final. Don't think there is much financial incentive to ensuring that MEX or USA plays ARG/BRA. First of all, there is no way to ensure that. Secondly, I think it would actually generate more revenue if these 4 teams avoided each other in the quarterfinals given that each of them are probably capable of filling a stadium regardless of who they play. So, in a way its a waste for them to play each other. This, of course, is the real reason Mexico got a top seed. Nothing to do with winning the Gold Cup (being South American champions didn't help Chile get a top seed in 2016).
Argentina and Brazil playing in the semifinals is likely to happen, but Mexico and the US could lose in quarterfinals. And if Mexico it's really unlucky and got in a group with Uruguay could easily be eliminated before quarterfinals. Also, is it confirmed that Group A is Argentina, B Mexico, C USA and D Brazil? Because it would be very funny that Argentina got A and Brazil B, ruining their dreamed final.
The top four seeds for CA 2024 will draw crowds everywhere they go. As others have concurred, the upcoming draw will protect their passage to knockout stage. Gotta make some greenbacks! Seeing how URU manhandled ARG+BRA during recent WC qualifiers, they will be kept far away from their groups. BRA should get a Rockettes' Kickline full of minnows, similar to what they got in CA 2019. BRA need all the help they can get. MEX should get paired with ECU/VEN, as Mexican capital controls mass media in those Conmebol territories. That should put CA 2024 TV rights money back into MEX pockets.
You hit the nail on the head: this bracket makes regionalization a lot easier (i.e. bet your bottom dollar that no one is traveling coast-to-coast between group stage games this time). From a competitive standpoint, I abhor it as much as I did when the Gold Cup would keep the US and Mexico apart before the Final. But hey, did you guys read Article 6 of the regulations? It's now official official: tournament logistics are entirely in Conmebol's hands. Btw, @Nico Limmat we got Schrödinger's invitees! Concacaf sides are referred to as invited teams in the regulations, but have the power to call up players like full participants. Infantino's gonna break every norm in the game at this rate
I want to play USA in the group stage and Jamaica as well, the Reggae Boys seem like a fun rival that we don't frequently face. That being said, I don't mind which rivals we face in the group stage, I just don't want to face Argentina until a potential final / semifinal (assuming we don't drop the ball before)
Looking at the rules, another difference when compared to 2016 is that the team from Pot D will play the Seeded team first. That will also help boost the confidence of the teams they want to go very far I would imagine.
Interesting to also see that Fair play is going to be used like the World Cups as tie breakers. I do not recall that ever being applied in the Copa. I like it.
Also, just like in 2021 and 2016, extra time will only be a possibility in the Final. All other knockout round games will go straight to penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
Then no more “special Copas” with Concacaf player call-up rights. Simple as that. Something has got to give. That is my red line (and incidentally, the red line of the clubs).
It will be interesting to see how things go. The next Copa in South America may just invite Qatar and Saudi Arabia to compensate financially. Those Clubs won't complain if they send their best.
Back to Stadium speculation, I think if I were to make this thing regional I would say: Argentina Group matches in Seattle--Santa Clara-- Los Angeles Mexico Los Angeles --- Dallas ----Houston USA Atlanta----Philly----New England Brasil New Jersey---Atlanta---Miami A Winner B Runner- up in Los Angeles B Winner A Runner- up in Houston C Winner D Runner- up in New England D Winner C Runner- up in Miami Semi in Dallas. Semi in Atlanta Final in Miami
Maybe Concacaf and Conmbeol announce a merger? I wouldn't be surprised to see Copa america 2024 generate even more money.
I do not think so. CONMEBOL does not want a merger. I may sound like a broken record to some because I have said this many times but most South American Federations do not want a bunch of little Caribbean Federations telling them what to do politically.
Yep. Its especially bad when several teams are hand-chosen for specific groups before the draw. Sometimes it makes sense to do it this way, but I'm not convinced this is one of those times. Not the end of the world if a couple of teams had to travel cross-country after the quarterfinals, imo. There are enough days off there to have a "travel day" several days before the semis.
This is the biggest issue preventing a merger. Conmebol is the stronger footballing confederation but the big nations would be swamped by the minnows in voting terms.