The United States will host the 2024 Copa América and will likely participate in the tournament, as six teams from the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) have been invited to compete.
The South American soccer governing body, Conmebol, made the announcement on Friday, citing a deal with Concacaf to have the tournament played outside of South America for the first time since the Centenario edition in 2016.
The six teams from Concacaf will secure their spots based on their performances in the upcoming Concacaf Nations League. The tournament is set to take place during the Northern Hemisphere summer, as per the statement from Conmebol.
The agreement also includes the inclusion of four Conmebol women’s teams in a Concacaf tournament, as well as the creation of a new club competition.
Ecuador, who was expected to host the tournament, will not be organizing the Copa América in 2024 due to public security concerns. This marks the first time that the tournament will be played outside of South America, and the United States is no stranger to hosting major international soccer events. The country is set to co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
Argentina looking forward to defending the Title
The Copa América is the oldest international soccer tournament, and Argentina, who beat Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 Copa America final which made them the defending champions, will look to defend their title on American soil under the leadership of Lionel Messi.
The last time when the USA hosted Copa America, Argentina ended as the runners-up after losing against Chile on penalties. After that match, Messi shockingly announced his retirement from international football before coming out of it in 2017.
With the inclusion of teams from Concacaf, the tournament is set to be more competitive and exciting than ever before, as fans will have the opportunity to see some of the best soccer players in the world compete on American soil.
