Canadian men eye inclusion in 2024 Copa America with U.S. set to host
Top 6 in next CONCACAF Nations League to earn berth in regional tournament
Next year's Copa America will be played in the United States and will include six CONCACAF teams.
South American soccer body CONMEBOL said Friday its 10 national teams will play the tournament out of their region after a deal with the confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The six guests for the 2024 Copa America will secure their spots according to their performances in the next CONCACAF Nations League.
The agreement also includes placing four of CONMEBOL women's teams in a CONCACAF tournament, plus the creation of a new club competition.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will co-host the men's World Cup in 2026.
The move could provide the opportunity for Canada, should it qualify, to play meaningful games against top competition ahead of the event. As hosts, Canada won't participate in World Cup qualifying.
Ecuador decided not to organize the 2024 Copa America, as expected, due to public security issues.
Argentina is the defending Copa America and World Cup champion.
On the women's side, CONCACAF has invited the top four CONMEBOL teams to take part in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. The 12-team tournament will be played in the U.S.
The two CONCACAF teams qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics (the U.S. and either Canada or Jamaica) will qualify directly for the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. The remaining six CONCACAF entries will have to qualify,
With files from The Canadian Press and CBC Sports
