We woke up this Friday with a big announcement made by Concacaf the North American Central & Caribbean Confederation and Conmebol, Southamerican Confederation, communicating that both entities have signed a strategic collaboration at different levels: Men’s and Women’s National Team Competitions and a new club tournament beginning in 2024. The most impactful one is that the 2024 Copa America tournament will be played in the United States, which is big for US Soccer and Concacaf.
Those who are more familiar with the World Cup cycle, competitions and the qualifiers, are aware that soccer in Conmebol is at the best level around the globe, some controversy exists between experts ranking UEFA the European Confederation or them in first place, but really good national teams in south American, came close to world cup editions, teams like Chile in 2018 or Colombia in 2022 couldn’t make it to the highest stage in soccer the FIFA World Cup in the respective editions and adding to the argument that they are the best confederation the current world champion is Argentina, a Conmebol affiliate. National teams in Concacaf will have the chance to compete against world class squads, full of talent like Messi, Neymar, Suárez and Luis Díaz.
Concacaf was going to experience a particular World Cup cycle, since FIFA automatically qualifies the host country in each WC edition. For the first time in history, the event is going to be held in 3 different countries, the three of them get the automatic qualification, which is great in terms of ensuring the world cup participation, for instance, the US couldn’t make it to Russia 2018, Canada returned in 2022 after a 36-year absence and Mexico was just about to be eliminated in 2014, a last-minute goal by USA in a different game, gave them the chance to play an extra game against New Zealand, where they finally got the qualification. In the region US, Canada and Mexico are the most important national teams, the stakes are going to be high, because they are hosting they will be on their soil, with full support of their country, they must have historic participation. The problem is that they are not going to have high-pressure games during this three and a half years, they are going to be watching while the rest of the world are fighting hard for a spot in the FIFA World Cup group stage draw in 2026.
This agreement comes in benefit to the US, Canada, and Mexico at a competition level and for Conmebol a business benefit. Organizing Copa America in 2024 will be a great opportunity for both confederations to elevate the sport in the continent, growing participation and interest but also adding value and revenue streams. Everyone wins with this agreement.