Ivory Coast have added some exciting young talent to several proven stalwarts and can kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign by seeing off South Africa. Bafana Bafana are also a likeable bunch, with decent discipline at the back and a good work ethic, but may just lack the class of their opponents.
England have given themselves a mountain to climb at the European Under-21 Championship and face another tough test when taking on a red-hot Romania side. The Young Lions must try to recover from an opening 2-1 loss to France, but their next opponents were mightily impressive in beating Croatia 4-1.
Chile look highly motivated to claim a hat-trick of Copa America triumphs, whereas Ecuador do not tend to put as much emphasis on this tournament. That view was backed up by their opening exploits, with La Roja beating Japan 4-0 and Los Amarillos losing by the same scoreline against Uruguay.
Uruguay are hard to oppose when taking on Copa America guests Japan in Porto Alegre after these sides made contrasting starts to the tournament. La Celeste enjoyed a 4-0 triumph over Ecuador, while the Samurai Blue were beaten by the same scoreline when taking on Chile in their opener.
Egypt are expected to ease past Zimbabwe on home turf in the opening group-stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo. The Pharaohs have a formidable record when playing in front of their own supporters, securing 11 straight victories to stretch an unbeaten sequence in such fixtures to 16.
Colombia will be confident of building on their surprise win over Argentina by brushing aside Copa America newcomers Qatar in Sao Paulo. However, their opponents showed they are not just here to make up the numbers when battling back to draw 2-2 with Paraguay in their Group B opener.
With the Africa Cup of Nations about to add further excitement to a summer which has already been unusually rich in international football, we’ve used data to reveal the top players and best-represented clubs at the tournament and also celebrate the contribution of African players in the history of the Premier League.
Peru will have been frustrated to kick off their Copa America campaign with a goalless draw against Venezuela but are worth sticking with to beat Bolivia. La Verde are coming off a 3-0 drubbing by Brazil and look by far the weakest link in Group A, with a lack of attacking firepower the main problem.
England have taken a very strong squad to the European Under-21 Championship and can kick off their Group C campaign by edging out France in Cesena. The Young Lions have gone 35 years since they last lifted this trophy but reached the semi-finals in 2017 and again appear to mean business.
Japan return to the Copa America for the first time in 20 years as they face defending champions Chile in their opening Group C clash in Sao Paulo. Japan have been invited to the tournament alongside 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar for the 2019 competition and will be hoping to improve on their group-stage exit in 1999.
Uruguay head into the 46th edition of the Copa America looking to improve their record 15 championship victories when they face Ecuador in their opening match. La Celeste have a fine record in the competition, last winning the event in 2011 with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Paraguay in Argentina.
Paraguay are looking to get off to a winning start when they kick off their Copa America campaign against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar at the Maracana. The Asian side will make their first appearance in the competition after accepting an invitation from CONMEBOL last year.
England head to the Under-21 European Championship as joint favourites to win the title at 4/1. Aidy Boothroyd takes a squad littered with Premier League stars to the 12-team tournament, which will be played in Italy and San Marino.
Eight-time winners Brazil kick off the Copa America on home soil against Bolivia on Saturday. They are still favourites to win the competition despite losing star man Neymar to an ankle injury.