Why Are the USMNT Playing in Copa America 2024? Rare Scenario Explained

The Copa America has just started off and fans are already delighted with the quality on display. Lionel Messi’s magic was on show as Argentina beat Canada. Yes, Canada, a team that isn’t even part of the CONMEBOL! Up next, the USMNT will be playing against Bolivia. But, why are these North American nations playing in a tournament meant for South American participants? Let’s dive in.

Originally, Ecuador was the intended host for Copa 2024. However, Francisco Egas, president of the soccer federation in the country declined the opportunity. He said, “We don’t have the capacity to organize the Copa América.” The country was in economic turmoil after the COVID-19 pandemic. The CONCACAF saw the opportunity and expressed their interest in hosting the tournament.

Boosting their chances, in 2023, the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL announced a strategic agreement. This partnership would contribute to the growth of soccer in the two regions. One of the deal’s outcomes was a new men’s club tournament. Additionally, the USA was announced as the host of the tournament. Also, including the USMNT, six CONCACAF guest teams qualified through the 23/24 CONCACAF Nations League. This is why countries like Canada and Mexico were also granted participation.

Besides, this is not the first time countries outside the CONMEBOL have participated in the Copa America. Previously, in 2019, the likes of Japan and Qatar participated in the coveted tournament. Even the USMNT has participated in 4 editions of the Copa America before. Hence, why aren’t these countries a permanent part of the competition?

Why isn’t the USMNT participating in every edition of Copa America?

The last time the USMNT marked their presence at Copa America was in 2016, a celebration of  CONMEBOL’s centenary. Later, they missed out on the 2019 and 2021 editions of the tournament. But, what is the reason for this disparity in their appearances? The reason is the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The CONMEBOL has 10 participating countries. So if the Copa is to be played by 12 countries, the remaining slots are filled through invitations. Hence, there are times when the GOLD Cup and Copa clash. In such circumstances, the USMNT gives preference to the CONCACAF tournament as it affects qualification to other international competitions as well. This was the reason why CONMEBOL turned to AFC countries in 2019 to fill up the slots as the US soccer team was busy with their tournaments.

In the future, this is likely to change. The US is hosting World Cup 2026 and MLS star Lionel Messi is already creating a wave in the country. Perhaps this could alter the CONCACAF’s current position regarding the COPA participation.