Canada, Mexico and the United States, all part of CONCACAF, could possibly participate in the 2024 Copa América. All three teams will host the 2026 World Cup and are looking for more formidable competition before the tournament.
As hosts, the trio have obviously already qualified for the next World Cup. These teams would not have to go through the lengthy process to determine their place in the competition. This would mean that they would also have plenty of time in their schedules for matches.
The UEFA Nations League has blocked big friendlies
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said his team “can’t just play friendlies in the United States.” The aforementioned trio would benefit from playing against the best in the FIFA rankings. With the UEFA Nations League limiting other teams around the world from scheduling friendlies against European countries, the next step may be to head south.
The Copa América, the main tournament in South America, features some of the best teams in the world. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are scheduled to participate in the 2024 competition. Many experts say the United States, Canada and Mexico should apply to participate in the tournament. This includes ESPN’s Taylor Twellman.
Twellman claims for CONCACAF nations at Copa América 2024
“In order for CONCACAF to compete at the highest level in the World Cup, they need to find better competition,” Twellman said. “The UEFA Nations League ended the friendly circuit of the United States, Canada and Mexico. I would love to see them compete in the Copa América and to have done it myself is a tougher place to play than the Gold Cup.”
As Twellman said, the trio’s participation in the Copa América is not necessarily ridiculous to suggest. The tournament regularly features teams from outside of South America. In fact, the 2019 Copa América featured Japan and Qatar. Suggestions have even claimed that up to six teams from around the world could be invited for the 2024 tournament. Obviously, this would be more than enough space to accommodate the CONCACAF trio.
Any possible participation by the three nations would need the approval of FIFA, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. FIFA Vice President Victory Montagliani recently told FOX Sports that the sport’s governing body is working with the trio to find more competition.
“We are working with our three host countries to align our calendars and give them enough space not only for friendlies but also for proper competitions,” Montagliani said. “We are always open to hosting big events in CONCACAF.”
Mexico has already appeared in the Copa América on nine different occasions. The United States has also made three appearances. Canada, however, had never played in the South American tournament before.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
