The Copa America will return to the United States in 2024 after Conmebol and Concacaf sign a new multi-competition pact

By Paul Nicholson

January 27 - Conmebol's flagship Copa America will be played in the United States in 2024 for the second time with all 10 South American nations and Concacaf's top six teams competing.

The tournament will be co-hosted by both confederations and is part of a pact between the two regions that will also see the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup host four Conmebol guests in addition to the eight Concacaf nations.

The two confederations have also committed to creating a new club competition that will bring together the best men's teams from both regions.

The 2024 Copa America will provide important preparation in the United States for the best teams of the two confederations before the 2026 World Cup. In 2016, the centenary edition of the Copa America was held in the United States. Chile beat Argentina on penalties in the final.

The 2024 Copa America fills a big gap in the calendar of top Concacaf nations that, in 2024, would have lacked top international competition. Concacaf nations now have a two-year schedule which includes the conclusion of the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League, the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League.

The six Concacaf teams that will join Conmebol's 10 nations in the Copa America in 2024 will qualify via the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League.

Victor Montagliani, President of Concacaf, said: "This is a partnership to support the continued growth of men's and women's football within Concacaf and CONMEBOL, and will be truly beneficial to the two Confederations. Working hand in hand with CONMEBOL, we will organize elite competitions that will provide more opportunities for our Federations and that we know passionate fans want to see. We look forward to working together to ensure may football in both regions continue to thrive."

The 12-team Concacaf W Gold Cup 2024 will also be played in the United States and is a key part of Concacaf's new women's national team ecosystem, the confederation has said.

The two Concacaf teams that qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics (USA and Jamaica or Canada) will qualify directly for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. The remaining six Concacaf teams will be determined during the Gold Cup Road to Concacaf W 2023. The four teams invited to Conmebol were determined based on the results of the Women's Copa America 2022: Brazil (champion), Colombia (runner-up), Argentina (third place) and Paraguay (fourth place).

The clubs enter the scene The new joint club tournament will see a centralized “final four” format with teams (two from each confederation) qualifying through existing Conmebol and Concacaf club competitions. The plan is to host the first edition of this tournament in 2024, although no date or venue has been disclosed.

Alejandro Domínguez, President of CONMEBOL, said: “CONMEBOL and Concacaf are united by historical and emotional ties. But above all, we are united by the passion, characteristic of all the Americas, for football and sport. We are determined to renew and expand our joint initiatives and projects. We want this passion to translate into more and better competitions and for football and its values ​​to grow and strengthen throughout the hemisphere. Without a doubt, both confederations believe in big, and we will work with this orientation.”

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