Why Copa America 2024 is Being Held in the USA

Are you wondering Why Copa America 2024 is Being Held in the USA ?

In a surprising move by CONMEBOL, Copa America 2024 will be hosted in the United States rather than in South America. Although this is not the first time the tournament has been played outside the continent—the USA also hosted it in 2016—the 2024 edition was initially expected to take place in Ecuador. However, after Ecuador withdrew its bid, the United States stepped in to host the event for the second time.

The decision to bring Copa America back to the USA was solidified in January 2023 as part of a strategic collaboration agreement between CONMEBOL and Concacaf. This agreement allows Concacaf to field six of its own nations in Copa America 2024 as guest teams. Consequently, the USA, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, Mexico, and Costa Rica all qualified for the tournament.

Why Copa America 2024 is Being Held in the USA

In return, CONMEBOL was invited to field four nations in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, where Brazil lost to the USWNT in the final. When the USA was appointed as the host of Copa America 2024, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez emphasized that this agreement would benefit the development of football in both continents.

Why Copa America 2024 is Being Held in the USA ?

In the previous Copa America held in the USA, the host nation reached the semi-finals before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Argentina. No team from outside South America has ever won Copa America, with Mexico coming closest in 2001 when they reached the final but lost 1-0 to Colombia.

Copa America 2024 will take place in 14 host cities across the USA, including:

  • Arlington
  • Atlanta
  • Austin
  • Charlotte
  • East Rutherford
  • Glendale
  • Houston
  • Inglewood
  • Kansas City, KS
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Las Vegas
  • Miami Gardens
  • Orlando
  • Santa Clara

The tournament will kick off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and the final will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.