Cash is the biggest force prompting Conmebol to eye the United States for Copa América 2028, just four years after Argentina lifted the trophy.
The story gained steam Wednesday after The Times reported that Confederación Sudamericana ve en EE.UU. al “postor ideal”, sidelining Argentina y Ecuador while officials await a formal announcement.
Why would the United States be chosen for Copa América 2028?
That key precedent dates back a couple of years. Estados Unidos recibió en 2024 a tournament with 16 selecciones y 14 estadios, featuring all 10 CONMEBOL members and six CONCACAF representatives. More than 1.6 millones de aficionados asistieron a los 32 partidos.
The U.S.’s organizational muscle, state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, and huge commercial appeal—on full display during the recent Mundial—are seen as major drivers behind the bid.
If the plan moves forward, the United States would host Copa América for the third time, after the 2016 and 2024 editions. Such a setting is rare for a tournament traditionally rooted in South America, though the 2016 precedent opened the door. For my money, the U.S. hosting again marks a clear tilt toward profit.
How many nations will compete in Copa América 2028? Will the tournament expand to 20 sides by 2028?
Officials are mulling a format tweak, aumentar de 16 a 20 selecciones, which could again widen the CONCACAF footprint.
Copa América 2024 participaron seis selecciones de esta confederación: México, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Costa Rica, Panamá y Jamaica. Expanding to 20 teams could carve out more spots for the region, though no official confirmation yet.