How Copa America 2024 could shape soccer in the United States

Copa America 2024, at face value, is a marquee and event that will draw eyes from all over the world. But it does that every time it is staged, no matter where the tournament is hosted. Even more than the special Centenario edition in 2016, this Copa America marks a new era of soccer in the United States.

Copa America to light a footy fire in the United States

The USA has hosted major soccer tournaments and events before. World Cup 1994, and the Women’s World Cups in 1999 and 2003, were watershed moments for the sport, sure. Major international friendlies are staged here each year, and CONCACAF competitions headlined by Mexico and the USA national teams showcase the enthusiasm for soccer that exists in this country.

But nothing like the stretch we’re about to embark on has ever happened before.

Copa America will bring arguably the best continental competition on the planet here. As a bonus, popular home sides USA, Mexico, and possibly Canada will be added to the mix. That’s exciting enough. But Copa is only the appetizer to an incredible upcoming buffet of the beautiful game.

The fire that Copa America will spark next summer will be followed up with the debut of the new, 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. This will bring some of the biggest and most popular clubs on the planet to the US. And for the first time, as part of a real, meaningful competition.

That will be followed with something even bigger – the 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026. This will no doubt be the biggest, most attended World Cup ever.

And if that’s not enough, the US has its hat in the ring to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, too.

That’s at least three, and maybe four, years in a row of absolutely massive soccer events on our shores. This of course will be added on top of things like MLS, Liga MX, Leagues Cup, a revamped Champions Cup, the NWSL, an ever-expanding lower division scene, and multiple new women’s professional leagues in the USA.

Imagine…


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Author : Derek Reese

Publish date : 2023-12-08 02:00:00

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