Copa América

The Copa América is the main national football competition of the CONMEBOL nations. It is normally held every two years, but the intervals may change.

The participating nations are Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela.

History Overview

The Copa América is the oldest surviving national football competition in the world, as it was held for the first time between July 2 and July 17, 1916 as part of the commemorations of Argentina's independence centenary. The CONMEBOL was then founded during this event, on July 9 (Argentina's independence day). It is normally held every two years, but the intervals may change.

The tournament was previously known as Campeonato Sudamericano de Selecciones (South American Championship) and received the name used nowadays on 1975. Between 1975 and 1983 it had no host, and was held in a home-away fashion.

Since 1993, two teams from other Federations are also invited. So far, the invited teams have been Costa Rica (1997, 2001, 2004), Honduras (2001), Japan (1999), Mexico (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2004), and the United States (1993, 1995). For the Copa América 2001, Canada was an invitee, but on July 6, 2001 withdrew because of security concerns.

Most wins

1. Argentina and Uruguay: 14 times
2. Brazil: 7 times
3. Paraguay and Perú: 2 times
4. Bolivia and Colombia: 1 time

Copa América Tournaments

¹ There was no trophy being disputed on the 1916 tournament. It was disputed for the first time on the 1917 tournament.
^* Although the throphy wasn't disputed nor handed to the winners, these competitions were organized -and considered official- by the CONMEBOL.

Overall Statistics