Why do the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Jamaica participate in the South American Championship?

Copa America 2024: Why are the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Jamaica participating in the South American tournament?

Teams from North and Central America have been participating in the Copa America since 1993. Since CONMEBOL has only ten members – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela – the number of participants has been increased to a number more appropriate for the tournament. In addition, the importance of Copa America must be expanded beyond the borders of South America.

This year's Copa America will be held with the participation of 16 teams. In addition to the ten South American teams, six participants from the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have qualified for the Copa America via the 2023/24 Nations League. The Copa America is also supposed to enable the 2026 World Cup host nations – the USA, Canada and Jamaica – to play additional competitive matches in preparation for the World Cup.

After Ecuador declined to host the Copa America in November 2022, the United States was revealed as host as part of a closer cooperation between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation). The Copa America also serves as a test for the United States for the 2026 World Cup.