What you need to know
- The United States emerges as a leading candidate for Copa América 2028 alongside CONCACAF.
- Officials are considering raising the tournament size from 16 to 20 to create more berths.
- Ecuador and Argentina vie as alternative hosts, though no official decision yet.
The Times reports that CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are deep in talks to bring the Copa América back to the United States for 2028, just four years after the 2024 edition crowned Argentina over Colombia.
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If approved, it would mark the third time the U.S. hosts the continent’s oldest national‑team tournament, following the 2016 and 2024 editions. America’s state‑of‑the‑art venues and the organizational push ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics make it a top pick for both confederations. For my money, the U.S. infrastructure gives it the edge.
An expanded format: Copa América with 20 teams?
Beyond logistics, the proposal’s real media punch lies in a format shift: officials are weighing an expansion from 16 to 20 nations, giving CONCACAF members a bigger stage.
The previous tournament featured all ten CONMEBOL members plus six North and Central American guests – the United States, Mexico, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The new draft, however, proposes a larger field.
- Debate continues over the exact slot distribution and CONCACAF’s qualification system.
- CONMEBOL would retain its ten member nations while opening slots for up to ten invited neighbors. Will the expanded tournament finally give CONCACAF the spotlight it deserves?
Ecuador and Argentina keep their hopes alive
While the spotlight leans north, Ecuador has thrown its weight behind a formal bid, pitching several host cities and eyeing a first‑time run since 1993. Argentina also remains in the mix of potential venues.
So far, CONMEBOL has not issued an official statement. A venue confirmation will set the calendar, allocate slots and map the road to the 2028 showdown.
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