One of the beautiful things about soccer in the Americas is the mix of players who suit up at the international level. Peru will once again trust 40-year-old Paolo Guerrero at a Copa América, Chile will turn to 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo while future stars like 17-year-old Kendry Páez of Ecuador and 19-year-old Valentín Carboni of Argentina will play in their major international tournament.
Between the extremes, there are plenty of players in their primes who will dazzle. We trust you’re familiar with Lionel Messi, Vinícius Júnior and Luis Díaz, so here are 10 players who should star – if not shine as brightly as the Ballon d’Or contenders – in the US this summer.
Tyler Adams, United States, midfielder
While Christian Pulisic is the star, Adams may be the USMNT’s more impactful player. The US will rely on Adams to set the tone in midfield and protect a back line that has had its ups and downs. He showed in the Nations League that he can pull a long-range goal out of the hat as well, but that would just be icing on the cake for US fans should Adams stay healthy and play his usual game in the middle.
Salomón Rondón, Venezuela, forward
A familiar name to fans of the Premier League but one many have most likely forgotten. Yet the 34-year-old is in the form of his life heading into Copa América, having helped CF Pachuca to the Concacaf Champions Cup title with nine goals in seven games. He also added 10 goals in 21 Liga MX games after joining Los Tuzos as a free agent after a stint with River Plate. If he gets service this summer with the Vinotinto, he’ll score.
Endrick, Brazil, Forward
The delightful throwback has asked to be allowed to carve his own path rather than be compared to Pelé, Ronaldo or more modern Brazilian exports like his soon-to-be Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Jr. That path starts here, as the 17-year-old plays his first major senior tournament. With his powerful left foot, smart movement and confidence beyond his years, no defense will want to see him tucking in his shirt and preparing to come on late in the match. This will be a defining tournament for Brazil, who have struggled in World Cup qualifiers for 2026. And it could be just as defining for Endrick, who has his first chance to spark his national team to success on a big stage.
Ismaël Koné, Canada, midfielder
Koné is the top candidate to (finally) add another name to the list of Canada stars – after you’ve finished listing Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. The central midfielder was inspired in a confident performance against France in a 0-0 draw before the tournament. His connections with Davies, David and others can give Canada a spark they’ve lacked, especially as his understanding with Stephen Eustáquio in the center of the field continues to grow.
Manfred Ugalde, Costa Rica, forward
Back with Costa Rica after a spat with the previous manager, Ugalde will lead the line for Los Ticos. Sharp moving into space, patient in the penalty area and better in the air than he has any right to be at 5ft 8in, the 22-year-old enters his first major senior tournament expecting to solidify his status as Costa Rica’s new star. He opened the scoring in a March friendly against Argentina and now has the chance to add Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay to his list.
Igor Lichnovsky, Chile, defender
Liga MX’s only back-to-back-to-back champion, the 30-year-old Lichnovsky is belatedly taking on a critical role in La Roja’s back line. Lichnovsky is a stern defender with a nose for the occasional goal, and new Chile boss Ricardo Gareca has leaned on him in his first matches in charge. Lichnovsky, who was born in Chile to an Austrian father, is a character off the field as well. It remains to be seen if the entertainment he provides will be soccer-related or the fireworks will come on his live streams.
after newsletter promotion
Nicolás de la Cruz, Uruguay, attacking midfielder
Understandably not as well known as teammates like Darwin Núñez, Luis Suárez or Federico Valverde, who have excelled at top European clubs, Flamengo star De la Cruz is still beloved in South America. He gives another dimension to Uruguay, sometimes keeping the ball at his feet to beat another midfielder one-on-one or to play a quick pass to start an attack out wide. He also has three goals in World Cup qualification and will hope to add to that total in this tournament.
Piero Hincapié, Ecuador, full-back
A key piece in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph and run to the Europa League final, Hincapié will be called on to man the left-back spot for La Tri with Pervis Estupiñán out injured. That will require him to be more aggressive moving forward than he is even when playing in Xabi Alonso’s system for Leverkusen. But it will give him a chance to combine with one of Ecuador’s many promising wide attackers – Chelsea’s Páez being the most exciting – and continue to burnish his growing reputation.
Giovani Lo Celso, Argentina, midfielder
Lo Celso returns to the defending champions after an injury cost him a spot on the 2022 World Cup-winning squad. He probably won’t have as much of a role as he did when he started five and played six of Argentina’s matches during the 2021 Copa triumph in Brazil, but starts in four friendlies so far this year and a longtime connection with Messi hint he may get more minutes than initially expected.
Jhon Arias, Colombia, striker
Something of a late bloomer, Arias enters Copa América having scored in each of Colombia’s last three matches, continuing the momentum he has built with Fluminense. Comfortable cutting in on his left from the right wing or popping up in the central channel, Arias gets to the right place at the right time. Plenty of European suitors have eyes on the 26-year-old, with West Ham reportedly leading the way.
