What you can expect from Costa Rica in Copa America 2024?
Costa Rica will be one of the 16 teams participating in Copa America 2024 in the USA. Even though Costa Rica isn’t part of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the guest nations have been included since 1993 due to CONMEBOL’s limited ten-member associations.
The 52nd-ranked team in FIFA (at the date of writing) has played in the Copa America four times and reached the quarter-finals once.
The Copa América Centenario was a collaboration between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL in 2016. Costa Rica earned their spot by winning the 2014 Copa Centroamericana while they secured qualification for the 2024 tournament through the qualifying playoffs.
Los Ticos might have a hit with Keylor Navas’s retirement but Kevin Chamorro could act as the main goalkeeper. No doubt he will be crucial in defense. Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell bring skill and flair to the midfield. Up front, Johan Venegas and José Guillermo Ortiz will be looking to lead the scoresheet.
Costa Rica could act as the tournament’s dark horse, but are they strong enough to pull an upset? Well, that’s quite doubtful as on paper they don’t seem to do that at least in this tournament.
Can Costa Rica cook up a storm and make a deep run in the tournament? With their mix of experience and youthful energy, they just might surprise a few teams. Get ready to cheer for Los Ticos in the USA!
Goalkeepers
There are doubts about who will guard the goal. Keylor Navas (with over 100 caps) retired before the tournament. This opens the door for Kevin Chamorro and Patrick Sequeira to step up and compete for the starting spot.
Sure! Here’s the table with the player names and their clubs:
| Player Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Kevin Chamorro | Saprissa |
| Patrick Sequeira | Ibiza |
Defenders
Chile’s defense looks solid with Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora, Julio Cascante, and Fernán Faerrón. They will form a strong five-man defense. Pablo Arboine, Gerald Taylor, and Haxzel Quirós are also in the mix aiming to create a reliable backline.
| Player Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Francisco Calvo | Juárez |
| Juan Pablo Vargas | Millonarios |
| Joseph Mora | Saprissa |
| Julio Cascante | Austin |
| Yael López | Alajuelense |
| Alexis Gamboa | Alajuelense |
| Pablo Arboine | Saprissa |
| Fernán Faerrón | Herediano |
| Gerald Taylor | Saprissa |
| Haxzel Quirós | Herediano |
Also Read: Ecuador Squad for Copa America 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Line-Up
Midfielders
Joel Campbell with over 25 goals in more than 100 appearances will bring experience and skill to the midfield. Ariel Lassiter and Álvaro Zamora will cover the wings while Elías Aguilar and Orlando Galo are expected to provide strong support in central midfield.
| Player Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Joel Campbell | Alajuelense |
| Elías Aguilar | Herediano |
| Ariel Lassiter | Montréal |
| Orlando Galo | Herediano |
| Jefferson Brenes | Saprissa |
| Brandon Aguilera | Bristol Rovers |
| Álvaro Zamora | Aris Thessaloniki |
| Alejandro Bran | Minnesota United |
Forwards
Leading the attack will be Anthony Contreras and Manfred Ugalde. They will be the key to scoring goals. Josimar Alcócer and Warren Madrigal are capable backups ready to step in when needed.
| Player Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Josimar Alcócer | Westerlo |
| Anthony Contreras | Pafos |
| Manfred Ugalde | Spartak Moscow |
| Kenneth Vargas | Heart of Midlothian |
| Warren Madrigal | Saprissa |
Predicted Lineup for Costa Rica in Copa America 2024
Costa Rica are gearing up for Copa America 2024 with a lineup that’s set to pack a punch. Can they outplay their opponents and make a splash in Copa America 2024? Let’s take a peek at the predicted XI.
In goal, we have the new-age talent, Kevin Chamorro. He will make his first appearance on the grand stage and Costa Rica will be hopeful of mimicking the art of their legendary Keylor Navas.
Leading the defense we have Francisco Calvo, Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora, Julio Cascante, and Fernán Faerrón. This backline is ready to stand strong and fend off any attacks.
In the midfield, we have the dynamic trio of Joel Campbell, Ariel Lassiter, and Álvaro Zamora. They’ll be orchestrating the play and controlling the midfield battleground.
Up front, we have the goal-scoring duo of Anthony Contreras and Manfred Ugalde. With their speed and precision, they’re poised to wreak havoc on the opposing defense.
Costa Rica Predicted Lineup (5-3-2): Kevin Chamorro (GK); Francisco Calvo (C), Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora, Julio Cascante, Fernán Faerrón; Joel Campbell, Ariel Lassiter, Álvaro Zamora; Anthony Contreras, Manfred Ugalde
Players missing for Costa Rica in Copa America 2024
Costa Rica will definitely miss their legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37.
This chapter of my life is coming to an end, I leave with my heart full of gratitude and my eyes looking forward, always carrying the name of our beloved Costa Rica
The goalkeeper said in a video posted on social media.
Also Read: Chile squad for COPA America 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Line-Up