What is the Copa América?
The CONMEBOL Copa América is the championship of South American national teams — and the oldest international continental championship in the world, first played in 1916. Argentina are the holders and record champions with 16 titles, having beaten Colombia 1–0 in the 2024 final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.[1] [2]
How do teams qualify and who plays?
All ten CONMEBOL nations enter by right, joined by invited teams — most recently six from Concacaf, with the United States hosting the 2024 edition. The Copa América Femenina runs in parallel, most recently won by Brazil in 2025.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
First contested in Buenos Aires in 1916 — the event that founded CONMEBOL itself — and played in various formats since, it predates the World Cup by fourteen years and the Euro by more than four decades.[1] [2]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Argentina | United States — 1–0 vs Colombia (Miami Gardens) |
| 2021 | Argentina | Brazil — 1–0 vs Brazil (Maracanã) |
| 2019 | Brazil | Brazil — 3–1 vs Peru |
| 2016 | Chile | United States (Centenario) — pens vs Argentina |
| 2015 | Chile | Chile — pens vs Argentina |
| 2011 | Uruguay | Argentina — 3–0 vs Paraguay |
| 2007 | Brazil | Venezuela — 3–0 vs Argentina |
| 2004 | Brazil | Peru — pens vs Argentina |
| 2001 | Colombia | Colombia — 1–0 vs Mexico |
| 1999 | Brazil | Paraguay — 3–0 vs Uruguay |
Champions of the last ten editions; the tournament has no fixed cycle historically.
Why does it matter?
It is the title of the continent that produced Pelé, Maradona and Messi — a Copa América squad place is the definitive national-team credential in South American soccer.[1] [2]
References
- CONMEBOL — Copa América. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Copa América. Accessed August 2026.
- CONMEBOL — Copa América Femenina. Accessed August 2026.