briefsports.net
A quick sports reference. Short answers, primary sources.
Continental Confederation · Soccer · South America

CONMEBOL — South American Football Confederation

The oldest continental confederation in soccer, founded 1916 — ten nations, the Copa América, and the Copa Libertadores.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
RoleSouth American confederation of FIFA
Founded1916 — the oldest continental confederation
HeadquartersLuque (Asunción), Paraguay
Members10 national associations
FlagshipsCopa América · Copa Libertadores · Copa Sudamericana

What is CONMEBOL?

CONMEBOL — the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol — is the South American confederation of FIFA: founded in 1916, the oldest continental confederation in the sport, uniting the ten associations of South America from its headquarters in Luque, Paraguay.[1]

What does CONMEBOL govern?

The Copa América — the world's oldest continental championship, first played in 1916; the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana in club soccer; the women's editions of both; and South America's World Cup qualifying, famously the hardest round-robin in the international game.[1][2]

When was it founded and who leads it?

Founded July 9, 1916 in Buenos Aires, during the first Copa América; led since 2016 by Alejandro Domínguez of Paraguay.[1][3]

Why does CONMEBOL matter?

Its ten nations have won ten men's World Cups, and its competitions certify the standing of every South American professional — for players from the region, CONMEBOL competition records are the sport's core credentials.[1][2]

References

  1. CONMEBOL — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  2. CONMEBOL — Copa Libertadores. Accessed August 2026.
  3. CONMEBOL — Institutional. Accessed August 2026.