Copa
Copa America 2024: A Celebration of 108 Years of Soccer History
The Copa America, the world’s oldest international soccer tournament, marks its 108th anniversary in 2024 with a special edition featuring an expanded lineup of teams. Originally known as the South American National Team Championship, the tournament debuted in Argentina in 1916 and has since seen 47 editions. The 48th edition kicked off on June 20 in Miami, Florida.
Despite its name, the Copa America has only twice included teams from across the Americas – in 2016 and now in 2024, with the United States finishing fourth in the former tournament. This year, the competition includes six guest countries from CONCACAF: Canada, Costa Rica, the United States, Jamaica, Mexico, and Panama, making it a unique and one-off event.
The tournament also features the ten member nations of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. These nations have produced the 47 previous champions, with Argentina being the most recent victors ahead of their FIFA World Cup win in December 2022, securing Lionel Messi’s legacy with two major international trophies.
Historically, Argentina and Uruguay lead with 15 Copa America titles each. Argentina, despite appearing in 29 finals, has emerged victorious more times than Uruguay, who have reached the final 21 times. Brazil follows closely with nine titles and 12 runner-up finishes, their latest triumph occurring in 2019 with a 3-1 victory over Peru at Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, marking their first title since 2007.
