Argentina and Chile to open Copa America 2020
CARTAGENA, Colombia (AP) — Co-hosts Argentina will open Copa America 2020 against Chile, its rival in two of the last three finals of the South American tournament.
The match will be on June 12 at the Monumental de Nuñez stadium in Buenos Aires.
Argentina shares hosting of the next Copa America with Colombia, which will stage the final on July 12.
Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, but beat their rivals 2-1 in a hard-fought and tense third-place match this year in the tournament held in Brazil.
Tuesday’s draw in Cartagena also put guests Australia in the Southern group based in Argentina with the co-hosts, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, will start the tournament in Colombia. Their Northern group includes the home team, defending champions Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The top four teams of each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Brazil hosted and won Copa America this year. Qatar and Japan were guest teams.
It is the first time that Copa América will be played in two countries.
Copa America 2020 starts a new era for the South American tournament. Starting next year it will take place every four years, coinciding with the European Championship.
Co-host Colombia’s first match in the tournament will be on June13 against Ecuador at the El Campín stadium in Bogotá.
Brazil’s first match in the next Copa America edition will be against Venezuela on June 14 in Cali.
Australia’s debut will be against Uruguay on June 13 in Cordoba, while Qatar will open against Peru on June 14 in Medellin.
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