Draw for 2019 Copa America held in host nation Brazil
Expanded 12-nation field includes Qatar and Japan
First continental tournament for three years will kick-off on 14 June
The groups for this year’s Copa America have been revealed following the draw on Thursday, with 2022 FIFA World Cup™ hosts Qatar lining up for the first time in the expanded 12-team tournament.
Brazil will host the event which features all the CONMEBOL nations, along with guest participants – Japan and Qatar.
The hosts will open the tournament against Bolivia before further Group A outings against Peru and Venezuela.
Argentina, finalists in the past two continental events, will meet Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar.
Holders Chile will face Uruguay, Ecuador and Japan in Group C.
The tournament offers crucial competition for Qatar who as World Cup hosts will not feature in the upcoming qualifying competition.
Qatar, who have impressed in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup by topping their group, face a tough quarter-final meeting against Korea Republic on Friday.
Japan first featured in the Copa America in 1999 and were knocked out in the group stage.
The top eight teams will progress to the knockout stage for the 14 June – 7 July tournament.