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Everything to Know About the 2028 Copa America and Its Possible Return to the USA

The exact dates for the 2028 CONMEBOL Copa America have not been announced yet. The FIFA international calendar doesn’t specify the tournament dates either. Still, it is expected to run from mid-June to mid-July 2028. For comparison, the 2024 edition in the United States took place from June 20 to July 14.

A notable scheduling factor is that the 2028 Summer Olympics will also occur in the US. While most Olympic events center around Los Angeles, soccer matches will be spread across various locations nationwide. The Olympics run from July 14 to July 30, but some sports start before the opening ceremony, which could overlap with the Copa America’s tail end.

Where Might the 2028 Copa America Be Hosted?

No official host has been confirmed yet. Rumors have circulated that the tournament could once again take place in the United States, following the pattern set by the 2024 competition. This speculation began with a report by Adam Crafton of The Athletic on December 1, 2025, mentioning ongoing talks about staging the event in the US again.

If the USA hosts the 2028 Copa America, it would mark the third time the tournament has been held there within five editions (2016, 2024, and 2028). Since 2011, only Brazil and the United States have hosted, except for Chile’s 2015 edition.

Which Teams Will Participate in 2028?

All ten CONMEBOL member nations are guaranteed spots as usual. Guest teams generally join the tournament as well. If the US hosts again, the United States, Canada, and Mexico would likely participate along with other CONCACAF teams who earn qualification.

In 2024, three additional CONCACAF countries—Jamaica, Panama, and Costa Rica—qualified through the Nations League, expanding the tournament to 16 teams. Recent social media chatter hints at a possible expansion to 20 teams in 2028, although it’s unclear if extra slots would go to CONCACAF or invitees from another confederation. Such growth would require changes in how the tournament format works.

How Often Is the Copa America Held?

The Copa America is now scheduled every four years, placed midway between FIFA World Cups, usually on even years. With World Cups in 2026 and 2030, the next Copa America falls in 2028.

Previously, the tournament was often held in odd years, right after World Cups—for example, in 2011 and 2015 following the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. There have also been special editions, like the 2016 Centenario marking CONMEBOL’s 100th anniversary and the 2021 edition delayed from 2020 due to COVID-19.

Past Copa America Champions and Hosts

  • 2024 - Host: USA | Winner: Argentina | Runner-up: Colombia
  • 2021 - Host: Brazil | Winner: Argentina | Runner-up: Brazil
  • 2019 - Host: Brazil | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Peru
  • 2015 - Host: Chile | Winner: Chile | Runner-up: Argentina
  • 2011 - Host: Argentina | Winner: Uruguay | Runner-up: Paraguay
  • 2007 - Host: Venezuela | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Argentina
  • 2004 - Host: Peru | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Argentina
  • 2001 - Host: Colombia | Winner: Colombia | Runner-up: Mexico
  • 1999 - Host: Paraguay | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Uruguay
  • 1997 - Host: Bolivia | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Bolivia
  • 1995 - Host: Uruguay | Winner: Uruguay | Runner-up: Brazil
  • 1993 - Host: Ecuador | Winner: Argentina | Runner-up: Mexico
  • 1991 - Host: Chile | Winner: Argentina | Runner-up: Brazil
  • 1989 - Host: Brazil | Winner: Brazil | Runner-up: Uruguay
  • 1987 - Host: Argentina | Winner: Uruguay | Runner-up: Chile
  • 1983 - No host | Winner: Uruguay | Runner-up: Brazil
  • 1979 - No host | Winner: Paraguay | Runner-up: Chile
  • 1975 - No host | Winner: Peru | Runner-up: Colombia
  • 1967 - Host: Uruguay | Winner: Uruguay | Runner-up: Argentina
  • 1963 - Host: Bolivia | Winner: Bolivia | Runner-up: Paraguay

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