Argentina and Brazil are always serious contenders, even if Brazil is down a bit right now. They have a lot of young talent (Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Endrick, etc) and will improve over the next 2 years.

Uruguay seems like the real deal, if they retain Bielsa, and they have a young newcomer who isn’t even playing for them in the Copa, 19-year old Alvaro Rodriguez. He was born in Spain to a Spanish mom and Uruguayan dad, but has said he’ll play for Uruguay. I think he’s going to be a great player.

Colombia looks like they might have their best team ever, maybe even surpassing their 2014 and 1992-3 teams. James Rodriguez aging two more years won’t help, but I still think they’ll be very good in 2026.