Copa America 2024: Houston Edition

(image via Henry Romero/Reuters)

We recently discussed the diverse representation of nations in Houston during the Euro competition. Now, this diversity will be prominently showcased through the various cultures of the Americas that call Houston home. While people of Mexican descent constitute the largest group, other nations participating in the Copa America will also be well-represented in Houston and across the United States in 2024.

Houston will host three matches during the tournament, all expected to sell out. The festivities begin on Saturday with the Mexico vs Jamaica match at NRG Stadium, a venue that has witnessed many significant Mexican matches since its opening in 2002. The excitement continues on Monday, June 24, with the highly anticipated game between Colombia and Paraguay. Colombia, currently one of the top teams globally, boasts an impressive record of 23 matches unbeaten, including 8 consecutive wins. Finally, the potential participation of Lionel Messi and Argentina in a quarter final match against the winner of Group A and the runner-up of Group B has Houstonians buzzing with anticipation.

Houston will be alive with the vibrant colors and cultures of the Americas. Similar to the Euro celebrations, explore local venues hosting watch parties for different countries, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Houston with soccer as the focal point.

Below are the teams in each group alongside the population born in those countries who call Houston home. These statistics are from 2015 and likely underestimate the current numbers, but they offer a glimpse into the city's true diversity. (For detailed statistics, see "Place of Birth for Foreign Born Population.xlsx" on houstontx.gov). Additionally, many Houstonians are connected to these cultures through their ancestry, further enriching the city's cultural landscape.

Group A

Argentina – 1,808

Peru – 2,148

Chile – 188

Canada – 5,807 

Group B

Mexico – 281,624

Ecuador – 737

Venezuela – 7,001

Jamaica – 1,912

Group C

United States - Host

Uruguay – 273

Panama – 1,403

Bolivia – 1,312 

Group D

Brazil – 1,611

Colombia – 8,911

Paraguay – 256*

Costa Rica – 848

*Other South America