US Could Host Copa América Again in 2028, Cementing Soccer Boom

Major international soccer may have a new recurring home. The United States is in talks to host the Copa América tournament again in 2028. This news comes from ongoing discussions between the continental soccer bodies CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. If finalized, it would bring the prestigious South American championship back to U.S. soil just four years after the successful 2024 edition.

According to reports from The Athletic, Argentina and Ecuador are also potential hosts. A CONMEBOL press officer has stated nothing is concrete yet. However, securing the event would mark an unprecedented run of major tournaments for the U.S. soccer landscape.

Logistical Puzzle and Growth Opportunity

Hosting in 2028 presents a unique scheduling challenge. The Summer Olympic Games are set for Los Angeles that same year. The Olympic soccer tournament could create fixture congestion for nations participating in both events.

Despite this, the benefits for U.S. soccer are significant. Major League Soccer’s schedule shift in 2027 would avoid club conflicts seen in 2024. This ensures a smoother tournament operation. Furthermore, consistent exposure to top-tier international competition is seen as vital for the sport’s growth domestically.

For the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), automatic qualification as host is another major perk. It provides crucial high-stakes matches ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The team’s disappointing group-stage exit in 2024 left a clear desire for redemption.

A Crucial Test for the USMNT’s New Era

The 2024 Copa América was a low point for the USMNT. Their early elimination led to the dismissal of coach Gregg Berhalter. His replacement, Mauricio Pochettino, is now tasked with rebuilding the program.

A 2028 Copa América on home soil would be a perfect benchmark. It would measure progress under the new coaching staff against the world’s best. The tournament offers a competitive intensity that friendlies cannot replicate.

For fans and the federation, it represents a chance to rewrite a recent painful chapter. Success could generate immense momentum. It would solidify the United States as a true global soccer hub ahead of the 2030s.

A 2028 Copa América in the United States seems increasingly plausible. It would be a strategic win for soccer’s commercial growth and a critical competitive milestone for the USMNT.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Has the US hosted Copa América before?

Yes. The United States hosted the Copa América Centenario in 2016 and the most recent edition in 2024. The 2024 tournament was the first held under a new strategic partnership between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL.

Would the USMNT automatically qualify for Copa América 2028?

Yes. As the host nation, the United States men’s national team would receive an automatic berth in the tournament. This has been the standard for all host countries in the competition’s history.

What was the USMNT’s result in the 2024 Copa América?

The USMNT had a disappointing performance, becoming the first host nation ever eliminated in the group stage. They finished third in their group after a win against Bolivia and losses to Panama and Uruguay.

Why is hosting another tournament so soon important?

Consistently hosting major events accelerates soccer’s commercial and cultural growth in the U.S. It provides the national team with vital competitive matches and maintains fan engagement between World Cups.

Who are the other potential hosts for 2028?

Alongside the United States, Argentina and Ecuador are also being considered as potential host countries for the 2028 Copa América, according to the initial reports.