The 2026 World Cup host aims to organize Copa America 2028

CONMEBOL is currently deciding the host nation for Copa America 2028, with a 2026 World Cup host country standing out as the top contender early on.

Alongside the negotiations with FIFA regarding involvement in the 2030 World Cup, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) is also reviewing candidates to host Copa America in 2028. Once again, the United States has surfaced as a strong candidate eager to bring the tournament back to its territory.

According to The Athletic, Copa America 2028 is likely to return to the US, as the North, Central American and Caribbean Football Confederation (Concacaf) and CONMEBOL discuss repeating the hosting arrangement seen in 2016 and 2024. This places the US back at the heart of international football, complementing a calendar already including the Olympics and preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Although Ecuador and Argentina remain on the list of candidates, forecasted record revenues, modern infrastructure, and the strategic value of the US market make it the top choice.

CONMEBOL aims to hold Copa America in cities and stadiums capable of hosting World Cup-level matches, something very few South American countries can provide. Therefore, the US is once again regarded as a prime candidate for the 2028 tournament.

Ecuador had previously expressed interest in hosting Copa America 2028. However, Francisco Egas, President of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), openly admitted that this is unlikely: “Hosting Copa America depends on the level of investment the country is willing to make. If the investment is sufficient, it could be possible. Under current conditions, it is not feasible,” he told La Radio Redonda in Guayaquil.

Nevertheless, Argentina remains on the list of feasible candidates, according to German Carrara from Bolavip in 2024. Since the 2020 Copa America, which was postponed due to Covid-19 and initially planned to be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia before moving to Brazil in 2021, Argentina continues to be a reasonable option.

In terms of infrastructure, Argentina is fully capable of hosting the tournament, with cities such as Buenos Aires, La Plata, Cordoba, Mendoza, San Juan, and Santiago del Estero offering stadiums that meet standards. Argentina last hosted Copa America in 2011. Additionally, early 2024 talks also considered involving Uruguay and Paraguay, partly to assess logistical factors related to the 2030 World Cup cycle.

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