Copa America

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Lore & Background

The 2028 Copa América will be the 49th edition of the competition, which is the oldest continental football tournament still running today. Argentina enter as the one-time defending champions, having won their 16th title in 2024, a record they now share with Uruguay. The host has yet to be announced, with several candidates emerging. Ecuador, which last hosted in 1993, has been mentioned as a possible host, but CONMEBOL does not have a fixed rotation system guaranteeing them the next edition. In late February 2024, President Daniel Noboa expressed interest to CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. However, on 21 June 2026, Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo reported doubts over Ecuador's bid due to infrastructure and security concerns. The United States is also a candidate: on 1 December 2025, The Athletic reported deep discussions between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF for the US to host. It would be the third time in five editions the US would host, following 2016 and 2024. On 21 June 2026, it was reported the two confederations met in Miami and were accelerating an agreement, though dates would need adjustment due to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Uruguay has been speculated as a potential host, possibly with Argentina and Paraguay, as a test run for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. On 7 December 2023, Uruguayan FA president Ignacio Alonso denied any official steps had been taken.

In Their Own Story

The host for the 2028 Copa América has yet to be announced. Potential candidates include Ecuador, the United States, and Uruguay. Ecuador — which last hosted in 1993 — would be next in line under the current rotation system. In late February 2024, during a meeting between CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez and President Daniel Noboa, Noboa expressed interest. However, on 21 June 2026, O Estado de S. Paulo reported doubts due to infrastructure and security concerns. The Ecuadorian government nominated eight cities: Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Cuenca, Machala, Ambato, Riobamba and Salinas. According to O Globo, there is reportedly a prior agreement between CONMEBOL and US Soccer for the US to host in both 2024 and 2028. On 1 December 2025, The Athletic reported deep discussions for the US to host again. On 21 June 2026, it was reported that the two confederations met in Miami and were accelerating an agreement, though dates would need adjustment due to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Uruguay has been speculated as a potential host with Argentina and Paraguay as a test run for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, but on 7 December 2023, Ignacio Alonso denied any official steps.

Reader's Guide

All 10 CONMEBOL national teams are eligible to enter alongside potential guests. The host selection process is ongoing, with Ecuador, the United States, and Uruguay as potential candidates. Ecuador's proposal includes eight cities: Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Cuenca, Machala, Ambato, Riobamba and Salinas. The United States would be hosting for the third time in five editions if selected, having hosted in 2016 and 2024. Uruguay's potential bid might involve Argentina and Paraguay as a test run for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The tournament dates for a US edition would need adjustment due to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Did You Know?

• The 2028 Copa América will be the 49th edition of the competition.
• Argentina are the one-time defending champions, having won their 16th title in 2024, a record they now share with Uruguay.
• Ecuador last hosted the tournament in 1993.
• The United States hosted the Copa América Centenario in 2016 and the previous edition in 2024.
• The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, which may affect tournament dates if the US hosts.