The Copa AmericaWorld Cup runners-up Argentina face holders Uruguay, who knocked them out of their home tournament four years ago, and Brazil will meet Colombia in a World Cup rematch in the group phase at the 2015 Copa America.
Hosts Chile, looking to win the world’s oldest active international tournament for the first time, were handed an easier draw in the Chilean Pacific coast resort of Vina del Mar on Monday.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina, top seeds in Group B in which they will also meet Paraguay and Jamaica, will be looking to avenge their upset defeat by Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals at the 2011 event they staged.
Brazil will be looking to recover from their disappointing World Cup as hosts this year under returning 2010 World Cup coach Dunga.
Brazil also face Peru and Vene-zuela in Group C.
Chile, spearheaded by Alexis Sanchez, face Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia in Group A. They will fancy their chances of ending their wait for a first crown.
“It’s hard to see a (title) candidate today. Let’s hope that in this Copa America recent history, which has turned out to be complicated for the host team, is reversed,” Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli told reporters.
Uruguay, with a record 15 titles, will miss striker Luis Suarez at the June 11-July 4 tournament while he continues to serve his nine-match FIFA ban from competitive internationals.
Chile and Colombia hope to continue their run of good form, which was evident at the World Cup finals in Brazil, with the hosts narrowly beating both in successive knockout rounds.
Colombia, led by playmaker and top scorer James Rodriguez, reached the quarter-finals in Brazil and will be looking to win the Copa for the second time, strengthened by the return from injury of striker Radamel Falcao.
“The hopes of the World Cup remain and to share a group with them (Brazil) will be important for all it means,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said.
The tournament has since the early 1990s been expanded from the 10 nations of the South American confederation to 12 with guest teams usually from North and Central America and the Caribbean’s CONCACAF region.
Mexico have been regular participants and twice reached the final but Jamaica are taking part for the first time.