The 2024 Copa America will be officially hosted in the U.S. and will feature 16 teams: ten from CONMEBOL and six from CONCACAF. This resulted from an agreement signed by both confederations “to strengthen and develop soccer in both regions.”
Ecuador was set to be the host nation; however, this wasn’t possible due to public security issues.
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has held the Copa America. In 2016, the country organized and celebrated the 100th edition of the tournament.
In addition, strategic partnership between both soccer organizations includes men’s and women’s international tournaments and a new men’s club tournament.
Regarding CONCACAF, the teams will qualify through the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League.
“This partnership will support the continued growth of men’s and women’s soccer in Concacaf and CONMEBOL and will truly benefit both Confederations. Working hand in hand with CONMEBOL, we will offer elite competitions that will provide more opportunities for our federations,” said Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF.
For CONMEBOL, this agreement will help support “its men’s national teams in their preparation for the next World Cup.”
Costa Rica will have to fight for the chance to compete in this special tournament. The National Team last played in the Copa America in 2016, when they beat Colombia, tied against Paraguay, and lost to the U.S.
Los Ticos are in group B of the Nations League, with three points. The Costa Rican squad lost to Panama and beat Martinique. The first spot belongs to the Panamanian team.
The Copa America promises exciting matches and will feature the defending tournament and World Cup champions, Argentina.
“CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are united by historical and affective ties. But above all, we are united by the passion for football and sports. We are determined to renew and expand our joint initiatives and projects,” concluded CONMEBOL president Alejandro DomÃnguez.
