By When will the Copa America 2028 be played?
While CONMEBOL has not officially announced the schedule for Copa America 2028, the tournament is expected to follow its traditional timing. Based on previous editions, the competition will likely take place between June and July 2028. This timeframe aligns with the international football calendar and allows for optimal player availability from both South American and potentially invited teams.
The exact duration of the tournament may depend on the final format and number of participating teams. Recent Copa America tournaments have typically lasted around three to four weeks, but this could be subject to change based on CONMEBOL’s decisions regarding the competition’s structure.
Where will the Copa America 2028 be played?
The host country (or countries) for Copa America 2028 remains undecided as of early 2024. However, several intriguing possibilities have emerged:
1. Ecuador’s Bid: On February 22, 2024, Ecuador became the first country to officially express interest in hosting the 2028 edition. President Daniel Noboa announced the bid via his X (formerly Twitter) account, signaling the country’s ambition to host its second Copa America, following the 1993 tournament.
2. Potential Joint Bid – Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay: Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, revealed discussions about a potential joint bid with Argentina and Paraguay. This tri-nation hosting concept could serve as a pilot for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the three countries are jointly bidding to host along with Chile.
3. Other Candidates: While no other countries have formally announced their intentions, several South American nations with strong football traditions could potentially enter the bidding process in the coming months.
The decision on the host will likely consider factors such as infrastructure, stadium quality, transportation networks, and each country’s ability to organize a major international tournament.
Candidates to host the Copa America 2028:
As of early 2024, the confirmed interested parties for hosting Copa America 2028 are:
1. Ecuador: The first country to officially announce its bid, Ecuador aims to showcase its ability to host a major tournament 35 years after its previous Copa America hosting experience.
2. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay (potential joint bid): While not a formal bid yet, the possibility of these three countries co-hosting the tournament has been discussed at high levels within their respective football associations.
The bidding process is expected to intensify in the coming months, with more countries likely to express interest. CONMEBOL will evaluate each bid based on various criteria, including financial viability, infrastructure readiness, and the overall vision for the tournament.
Future Considerations:
The format of Copa America 2028 remains uncertain. The success of the 2024 edition in the United States, which included CONCACAF teams, may influence CONMEBOL’s decisions regarding future tournaments. There’s a possibility that the expanded format could continue, potentially impacting the selection of the host nation due to the increased logistical demands.
As the bidding process unfolds, football fans across South America and beyond will eagerly anticipate announcements from CONMEBOL regarding the host, format, and participating teams for Copa America 2028. This tournament will not only crown the continental champion but also serve as a crucial preparation ground for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Source: sportingnews.com
