The 2014 FIFA World Cup is over and will not return for another four years, but another major tournament looms on the horizon: the 2015 Copa America.

In the intervening summers, fans of international soccer will have to lavish their attention on confederation tournaments such as the CONCACAF's Gold Cup or UEFA's Euro in 2016. Next summer also sees the return of the CONMEBOL's Copa America. A lot of South American countries will turn to tournament as a consolation for their big loss in Brazil this summer.

Here are the top contenders to win in Chile:

1. Chile

The host nation is undoubtedly the favorite.

The golden generation of Chilean players may still make history in Russia in 2018, but they can start building by pulling off a performance for the ages at home next summer. The team that put up such a glorious display in Brazil this summer will be one year older, but still in its prime. No other CONMEBOL team played with the pace of Jorge Sampaoli's side. Arturo Vidal should be healthy next summer, making him even more potent then he was at the World Cup this summer. Alexis Sanchez will be in his prime and likely in better form than ever after starring for Arsenal. This team can only go up after its riveting display in Brazil.

2. Argentina

The window to win World Cups has closed for Lionel Messi and the Fantastic Four. The Barcelona man will be 31 by the time the tournament returns to Russia and other teammates such as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain will also be 30. Javier Mascherano, who was arguably Argentina's best player in the tournament, will likely not be on the squad. Which makes this tournament all the more important for the Albiceleste. This is the only tournament that Messi can cling to at this point in his career. He failed to win it at home and he will need his best performance to claim the continental prize. Expect him to do just that.

3. Colombia

Los Cafeteros may have been the most impressive side in Brazil, aside from the champs of course, and they will garner a lot of attention heading into the tournament next summer. James Rodriguez will be one year closer to maturity, as will Juan Fernando Quintero. Radamel Falcao should be back and he adds presence up front for the dynamic side. The defense may remain a concern with the retirement of Mario Yepes, but there is little reason to doubt Colombia's ability to win this tournament. They will want to add a second to their 2001 victory and prove that they can win a major tournament away from home.

4. Brazil

The hosts left their World Cup in ignominy and will certainly be looking to regain some dignity. Neymar's return should be a huge boost, but the question here is whether the team around him will be good enough to help out. It is a foregone conclusion that this Brazilian side is simply not good enough as it is to compete so it is likely that there is an influx of new and younger talent by the time the summer rolls around. Who coaches this team and how quickly he establishes an identity is also essential, but the Brazilians should never be overlooked. They can do some damage.

Uruguay has more Copa America trophies than any other nations but will likely miss Luis Suarez tremendously as he serves out his suspension. Other nations, such as Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay are in rebuild and not expected to have an impact. Venezuela and Ecuador are dark horses, but will struggle to compete with the other top nations listed above.

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