Why isn’t the USMNT automatically qualified for the 2024 Copa América if it will be played in the US?

As you may have heard, next summer, the United States will host the 2024 Copa América. The nation is doing so for the second time, with the 2016 version being the only other to be held outside of South America. So, as host you may have expected that the US men’s national team would have its place at the event guaranteed, right? Well, actually no.

Which teams will feature in 2024 Copa América?

The first thing to note is that the 2024 tournament is being expanded due to new strategic agreement between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. This will see six North American, Caribbean and Central American nations join the competition alongside the ten regular teams from South American countries. This is a repeat of what we saw at the 2016 centenary Copa América when, interestingly, the US were automatically qualified as hosts.

CONMEBOL teams for Copa América 2024

The ten nations of the CONMEBOL federation and therefore confirmed for the tournament are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

CONCACAF teams for Copa América 2024

While the specific CONCACAF nations set to participate are yet to be finalised, we do know that the six tickets will come from the following eight: United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, and Jamaica. These teams will battle it out in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League during November.

The victorious teams from these encounters will secure berths in the 2024 Copa América, while the defeated sides will be matched up in two one-off qualifying playoff matches, determining the final two entrants to the prestigious tournament. Many fingers will be crossed that the USMNT get to feature as hosts.

More questions answered on the 2024 Copa América

When is the 2024 Copa América held?

The tournament is due to begin on 20 June 2024 and will run through to the final on 14 July.

When is the 2024 Copa América draw?

It has been confirmed that the unveiling of the 2024 Copa América matchups will unfold in Miami on Thursday 7 December at the James L. Knight Center. The tournament’s structure follows a clear path, as the 16 teams will be allocated into four groups of four, setting the stage for the top two teams from each group to advance to the knockout phase, commencing with the quarter-finals. Are you ready?

Who won the 2021 Copa América? What was the final result?

Argentina, with Lionel Messi conducting the play, are the reigning champions of the tournament and will go into the 2024 edition as one of the hot favourites once again. They did win the 2022 World Cup afterall.

The Albiceleste won their 15th title beating rivals Brazil 1-0 in the final with the goal coming from Ángel di Maria. His teammate Messi, along with third-place Colombia’s Luis Díaz, ended the competition as top scorer, with four.

Which team has won the most Copa América titles?

That 15th triumph in 2021 brought Argentina level with Uruguay as the most successful nation in Copa América history. Behind them both sit Brazil (nine), Paraguay, Chile, Peru (all with two), then Bolivia and Colombia with a single title each.

As you can see, no ‘invited’ country has ever won the trophy. Could the USA become the first at home in 2024?