2024 Copa America: Thursday's schedule and how to watch

The group stage at the 2024 Copa América is over. Eight teams have advanced to the tournament's quarterfinals knockout stages, which begin on Thursday.

Argentina will open knockout stage play against Ecuador as the competition's sole match on Thursday night. Superstar Lionel Messi will likely make his return from the leg injury he suffered a week prior as he tries to help lead his nation to a second consecutive Copa América title. The 37 year old missed Argentina's final group stage match against Peru on Saturday.

The 2022 World Cup winners advanced out of Group A as its leaders after winning all three games.

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Ecuador were the runners-up in Group B and made it to the knockout stage with a win over Jamaica and a draw with Mexico. La Tricolor's +1 goal differential was enough to give the Ecuadorian team the tiebreaker over Mexico and move on.

Here's what to know about the opening match of the 2024 Copa América quarterfinals.

Which Copa America games are on today?

There is only one match on Thursday, July 4. It is the first contest in the knockout stage of this year's tournament and will determine which team moves on to the semifinals.

Argentina vs. Ecuador

• Time: 9 p.m. ET
• Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
• Cable TV: FOX
• Streaming: FOX Sports app; YouTube TV; fuboTV

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How to watch the 2024 Copa America

The 2024 Copa América will be broadcast across multiple channels and streaming services over the course of the tournament.

• Cable TV: FOX Sports, FS1; Univision
• Streaming: fuboTV ; YouTube TV; TUDN; ViX

HOW TO WATCH: See the full slate of Copa America games with a fuboTV subscription

Odds to win 2024 Copa America

Argentina is the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, according to BetMGM soccer odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering 2024 sports betting promos .

Odds as of Wednesday.

• Argentina (+125)
• Brazil (+333)
• Colombia (+550)
• Uruguay (+550)
• Venezuela (+2500)
• Ecuador (+3300)
• Canada (+4000)
• Panama (+10000)

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 Copa America: Thursday's schedule and how to watch