Copa America

Publication date: 15 July 2025

The America Cup (CONMEBOL Copa América) is the premier men’s football tournament among South American national teams. Since the 1990s, teams from North America and Asia have joined the competition. The Cup is played regularly every 2-4 years. The national teams are divided into groups. There they compete in matches under the “each with each” system. Besides, the best teams qualify for the play-offs. There they compete in a series of play-off matches until a winner is crowned. It is the third most watched cup in the world as the CONMEBOL Copa America brings together the continent’s best teams.

The official website

2028 America Cup

The next edition of the Copa America will be held in the summer of 2028, tentatively in June–July. Venue has not yet been officially confirmed. The main contender is Ecuador. It is scheduled to host the tournament on a rotation basis (the country last hosted in 1993). The government has already proposed eight cities willing to host matches. Other possible options include the United States (hosted Copa América 2024) and a joint bid by Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, which could be considered as a test before the 2030 World Cup.

The tournament format will most likely remain the same as in 2024: 16 teams will participate. These are 10 teams from South America (CONMEBOL countries), as well as up to 6 invited teams from North and Central America (CONCACAF). Traditionally, these could include the United States, Mexico, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.

History of the competition

The America Cup is a prestigious tournament that has been held since 1916 and brings together the continent’s best national teams. Over the years, the tournament has become a symbol of the passion and talent for football in the Americas. Until 1975, the Copa America was known as the South American Football Championship.

There are many legendary victories and matches in the history of the America’s Cup. In 1959, for example, Uruguay beat Argentina 4-0 in the final. Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are the most successful participants in the tournament. Argentina and Uruguay have 15 wins each, while Brazil have 9.

The CONMEBOL Copa America always attracts the attention of the world’s football stars. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suárez and many others are an integral part of the tournament. Throughout the history of their participation, they have provided many exciting moments on the pitch.