Hidden in the last paragraph of the press release about the return of the Copa América to the United States, it was arguably the biggest news of the day. Conmebol and Concacaf have decided to create a new final four tournament between the best teams of the Copa Libertadores against the Concacaf Champions League.
The club angle of the Conmebol-Concacaf partnership could be the most significant development for American soccer.
Consider the Seattle Sounders. For the first time in MLS history, there is the possibility of playing an official match against Real Madrid or Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup. Never mind the fact that Seattle is the North American champion. Sounders fans can watch their club take on top teams from around the world in officially recognized competitions, not just friendlies.
The chance to play against tougher opposition is what fans crave.
incentivizing success
Similarly, the concept of the final four tournament between Conmebol and Concacaf, as well as the prospect of playing in the FIFA Club World Cup, encourages teams to prioritize the Concacaf Champions League more than they do now. In fact, this Concacaf and Conmebol club competition could be more attractive than the Club World Cup. Instead of playing the host nation of Qatar or a team from Oceania, the best teams in the Concacaf Champions League get to play the best teams from South America.
If the final four competition had already been created, we could have seen the Seattle Sounders play Athletico Paranaense and Pumas play Flamengo. Both would have been fascinating games.
Even then, think about other potential matchups. Club America against River Plate. Saints against LAFC. Toronto FC against Palmeiras. Atletico Penarol against Monterrey.
The club competition is a win-win for Concacaf and Conmebol
The positives for both sides are clear. Concacaf clubs have a realistic opportunity for more meaningful games. Of course, to get to this stage, they have to perform well in the Concacaf Champions League. Success there would help the acceptance of intercontinental soccer in the United States.
Many soccer fans in the United States may recognize the names of the clubs from South America. Boca Juniors and River Plate are huge. The same happens with Santos, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Corinthians. Seeing your ‘home’ team compete against those teams for a trophy can develop the fandom of ever-growing MLS teams.
On the Conmebol side, their success far exceeds that of North America for now. However, in addition to any monetary gain, this is another great way to gain experience against new opponents. South American teams value the FIFA Club World Cup much more than European teams. Conmebol teams see it as the metaphorical mountaintop in the game of club soccer.
Club competition with Concacaf and Conmebol could be a springboard to get to the top of that mountain. If the first iteration of the tournament takes place as soon as 2024, it can help develop soccer in North and South America.
