CONMEBOL Weighs Timing and Venue Options for the 2028 Copa América

South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, has formally begun deliberations over the host nation for the 2028 Copa América, with the United States once again emerging as the front-runner in early discussions. The tournament’s scheduling and location have become intertwined with broader strategic conversations involving FIFA, particularly in light of proposed changes to the 2030 World Cup.

The United States has already hosted the Copa América twice in recent history—first in 2016, to mark the tournament’s centenary, and again in 2024. Both editions were commercially successful and benefited from world-class infrastructure, extensive broadcasting reach, and access to a vast football market. These factors have once again placed the US in pole position as CONMEBOL assesses its options for 2028.

At the same time, CONMEBOL is engaged in ongoing discussions with FIFA regarding the 2030 World Cup, where it has proposed expanding the tournament from 48 to 64 teams. The confederation has also suggested hosting 18 World Cup matches across Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as part of the centenary celebrations of the first World Cup in 1930. Against this backdrop of long-term planning, CONMEBOL has begun to carefully evaluate the feasibility and strategic value of potential hosts for the 2028 Copa América.

According to a report by The Athletic, talks between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF have resumed, with the United States considered a highly attractive option due to its proven organisational capacity, commercial appeal, and modern stadiums. With the country already preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympic Games, the US is increasingly positioning itself as a global hub for major football events.

However, the United States is not the only contender. Ecuador and Argentina are also under consideration. Ecuadorian Football Federation president Francisco Egas previously admitted that the country’s current infrastructure may be insufficient to host a tournament of such scale, stating that substantial investment would be required. “Everything depends on how much the country is willing to invest. With what we have now, hosting the Copa América would be impossible,” he remarked.

Despite these concerns, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa renewed the country’s interest in 2024, releasing a video message portraying Ecuador as a safe and capable host nation. “We are not a failed country. We can host the Copa América,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Argentina remains a credible alternative. The reigning world champions boast several international-standard stadiums across cities such as Buenos Aires, La Plata, Córdoba, Mendoza, San Juan, and Santiago del Estero. Argentina last hosted the Copa América in 2011, and there has also been discussion about involving Uruguay and Paraguay as co-hosts—an idea closely aligned with preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

Ultimately, when revenue potential, infrastructure readiness, and large-scale organisational capacity are weighed together, the United States currently appears to hold a decisive advantage in the race to host the 2028 Copa América.

Potential Hosts for the 2028 Copa América