COPA AMÉRICA 2024
Where and when is the next Copa América?
Lionel Messi and Argentina won their second Copa América in a row in the United States. But when will they defend their title?
Argentina remain the best national team in the Americas after defeating Colombia in Miami Gardens to win the 2024 Copa América, their second successive victory in the competition. Lionel Messi won his sixth trophy with La Albiceleste, but will it be his last?
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
The Inter Miami star has already expressed doubt over whether or not he will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, by which time he will be 39 years old. As a result, there appears to be almost no chance of him be involved in the next edition of the Copa América at 41.
Unlike the World Cup and the European Championship, which have been held every four years (minus one covid-19 affected Euros) since their creation, it has been rather more difficult to predict when the next Copa América could take place. The tournament was held annually for a while during its early years, while there have been spells in which it has been played every two, and three, years.
When will the next Copa América be played?
The 2024 event was held three years after the previous edition in Brazil, although the next one is scheduled to be played in four years’ time, in 2028.
No dates have as yet be confirmed, but the 2028 Copa América is expected to take place in June and July of that year.
Which country will host the 2028 Copa América?
No host has been announced yet, although Ecuador is believed to be one of the frontrunners, with president Daniel Noboa having already met with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez to discuss the matter.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, there have been talks between CONMEBOL and the US Soccer Federation for the tournament to be played in the United States for a second time in succession, while reports have claimed Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay could team up for a dry run of sorts before hosting three games at the 2030 World Cup, which will be mainly played in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
In 2023, CONMEBOL and CONCACAF signed a strategic collaboration agreement that led to six North and Central American nations competing in the 2024 Copa América, which would otherwise have been just for the 10 South American teams. At present, the agreement doesn’t extend beyond the tournament just finished.
Unless that changes, which could happen, the 2028 edition may see only 10 teams taking part. Previous 12-team tournaments have also been held, with two guest nations competing.
Do Argentina have to qualify for the 2028 Copa América?
Even if they hadn’t won the 2024 tournament, Argentina wouldn’t have had to qualify for the next one. All South American countries automatically play in the Copa América.