100 days to go: Ultimate guide to the 2020 Copa America

There is so much for the Socceroos to look forward to in 2020 but one of the standout events will be their historic participation at the Copa America.

And there’s just 100 days to go until Graham Arnold’s men step out for their first game at South America’s showpiece event when they take on Uruguay.

Matches against Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile and host-nation Argentina will all follow on what will be a massive few weeks for the Socceroos.

With the countdown on to the tournament in June, we recap all you need to know as the Socceroos gear up for the 2020 Copa America.

AUSSIES ABROAD: Rogic’s late goal saves Celtic

GGArmy-Copa-America-Tour

What is the Copa America?

The Copa America is the world’s oldest international football competition, with the first edition of the tournament held way back in 1916.

That first event in Argentina featured just four nations, with Uruguay, Brazil and Chile joining the hosts.

More than 100 years on and next year’s Copa America will be the 47th edition of the historic tournament.

The month-long festival of football pits the cream of South America’s 10 national teams – as well as invited nations the Socceroos and Qatar – against each other.

CALENDAR: Your Socceroos 2020 guide - key dates for March and more

Copa America

When is it on?

For the first time in 37 years, the Copa America will be hosted by more than one country, with Argentina and Colombia co-hosting the competition and sharing matches.

The tournament begins on June 12 local (June 13 AEST), with Argentina to play the first match against Chile in Buenos Aires.

The final is set down for Sunday, July 13 (AEST) at the Estadio Matropolitano in Colombia. 

Who and when are we playing?

The Socceroos were drawn in Group A, meaning they will play all their matches in Argentina.

Australia open their campaign against Uruguay on June 13, before backing up four days later against Paraguay.

Bolivia is the Socceroos' third opponent on June 22, before a mouth-watering clash against host-nation Argentina in Buenos Aires on June 26.

Arnold's men then complete the group stage against Chile  on June 30.

FEATURE: ‘It’s just the start’: Souttar ready to build on dream Socceroos debut

Copa America Schedule for Group A
Copa America schedule for Group A

Which venues are being used?

There are five venues that will host matches in Argentina where the Socceroos will be based for the group stage.

The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is the biggest venue, with a capacity of 66,000.

Matches will also be played at the 57,000 capacity Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, while Mendoza's Estadio Malvinas Argentinas and the Estadio Ciudad de La Plata provide wonderful atmospheres with just under 55,000 able to squeeze in.

There is one venue - The Estadio Unico in Santiago del Estero - is still under construction but will be an all-seater 28,000 capacity on completion.

SOCCEROOS: Arnold to take ‘strongest team available’ to face Kuwait in Perth

Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires
Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires

Who’s in the other group?

The 'North Zone' group will feature host-nation Colombia, with all matches played in that country.

The group also contains defending champions Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and fellow invited nation Qatar.

How to watch?

Socceroos fans will be able to watch every minute of Australia's tilt at the tournament on Optus Sport after it announced they will broadcast the 2020 Copa America.

Optis Sport will show all 38 matches of the competition, streamed live and on demand through the Optus Sport app.

You can also keep up to date with all the news and match action on www.socceroos.com.au.

Also follow the Socceroos on FacebookTwitter and Instagram as we provide behind-the-scenes coverage of the squad at the tournament.

FEATURE: ‘I definitely want to be a part of what’s to come’: Vukovic's inspiring injury return

How do you buy tickets?

Details on how you can purchase tickets to matches will be released very soon.

Stay tuned to the Copa America official social channels to find out when and how you can secure your seat at the Socceroos matches in Argentina.

NEWS: Copa America 2020 to be broadcast live by Optus Sport

How can Socceroo fans travel to the tournament?

Australian fans that want to head to the Copa America can organise a tour through the Green & Gold Army, the official tour partner of the Socceroos.

Nothing beats supporting the Socceroos on their travels and the G&G Army helps combine the passion and excitement of supporting Australia with enjoying the sights and culture of the host destination.

Find out more HERE.

How does the tournament work?

With 12 nations taking part in the Copa America 2020, they have been split into two groups of six.

Each nation will play every other side in their group, with the top four countries from each zone advancing to the quarter finals.

From that point it will be knock-out football all the way to determine who will be the 47th Copa America champions.

AUSSIES ABROAD: Mabil records best scoring season, Degenek shines in Eternal Derby

Brazil lift the 2019 Copa America trophy
Brazil were winners of the 2019 Copa America

Copa America schedule

Australia v Uruguay
Date: Saturday, 13 June 2020
Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba, Argentina
Kick-off: TBC

Paraguay v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2020
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
Kick-off: TBC

Australia v Bolivia
Date: Monday, 22 June 2020
Venue: Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
Kick-off: TBC

Australia v Argentina
Date: Friday, 26 June 2020
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kick-off: TBC

Chile v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2020
Venue: Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba, Argentina
Kick-off: TBC

Copa America 2020