Bigger stakes, rising stars and Marta's return set the stage for Women's Copa America

The best women's teams in South America will meet in Ecuador starting on Friday, when the 2025 Women's Copa America kicks off, with Olympic and Pan American qualification, regional glory and a shifting competitive landscape all on the line.

Despite Brazil's historic dominance, the tournament is now far more competitive, an improvement that even the region's most iconic player acknowledged.

Brazil great Marta, returning from international retirement for what could be her final continental appearance, said the level across South America has grown remarkably since she made her debut at 17.

"Women's football in South America was less developed, but Brazil was already ahead," Marta said in a recent interview for CONMEBOL. "Now it's fast, demanding. These young players pull me forward — mentally and physically — and I love that."

The record eight-time champions and reigning title holders arrive as favourites, with a squad filled with big names. None are bigger than Marta, who retired from international football after winning silver at the Paris Olympics and is preparing to lead the team one last time.

"If this is my last tournament, it's even more important to stay focused, to savour each moment," said the 39-year-old, who has won three Copa America titles.

"I want to make the most of this and, hopefully, win another one."

Group B rivals Colombia will also be ones to watch, led by Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo and Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez — key figures in the team's 2022 final run and progression to the 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-finals.

Argentina, in Group A alongside hosts Ecuador, boast unique bragging rights as the only nation to have beaten Brazil in a final, lifting the trophy in 2006.

They are buoyed by the rise of their