Why are USA playing at Copa America 2024? Reason for USMNT, Mexico, Canada taking part explained

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The USA are back in Copa America action this summer, as Gregg Berhalter's side prepare to host the tournament for the first time since 2016.

The competition will feature games spread across the country, with the USA drawn in Group C, up against 15-time winners Uruguay, plus Bolivia and Panama.

Pre-tournament confidence is high that the USA can try and match their run to the semifinals as hosts eight years ago, when Jurgen Klinsmann's team lost out to Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final four.

The Copa America 2024 will also feature one major change, with an increase to 16 participating nations, for the first time in the competition's history stretching all the way back to 1916.

MORE: Copa America full bracket and schedule of matches | Copa America stadiums: All the venues hosting the action in USA

Why are USA playing at Copa America 2024? The sight of the USA, and neighbors Canada and Mexico, at the Copa America may draw some puzzled looks from fans who do not regularly follow the tournament.

The Copa America is traditionally made up of the 10 members of the CONMEBOL federation, but as the competition has evolved, nations from CONCACAF and elsewhere, including Japan and Qatar, have also participated.

In previous examples, non-CONMEBOL nations have been included via a direct invitation by the federation, which has meant invitees were not eligible for every tournament.

However, the expansion of the number of teams in the 2024 edition has altered the rule book slightly, with six CONCACAF nations given the chance to qualify via the CONCACAF Nations League.

Jamaica and Panama joined the USA and Mexico in qualifying directly, with Canada and Costa Rica advancing via the playoffs.

USA Copa America record The tournament in 2024 will be the fifth time the USA has qualified or been invited to the Copa America since their first appearance in 1993.

YearStage Reached1993Group Stage1995Fourth Place2007Group Stage2016Fourth PlaceUSA Copa America 2024 scheduleDate Competition MatchLocationTime (ET)TV (USA)Streaming (USA)Jun. 23, 20242024 Copa America Group StageUSA vs. BoliviaArlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)6 p.m.Fox SportsFuboJun. 27, 20242024 Copa America Group StageUSA vs. PanamaAtlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)6 p.m.Fox SportsFuboJul. 1, 20242024 Copa America Group StageUSA vs. UruguayKansas City, MO (Arrowhead Stadium)9 p.m.Fox SportsFuboJul. 6, 20242024 Copa America QuarterfinalsTBD (if qualified)TBD (either Las Vegas, NV OR Glendale, AZ)TBDFox SportsFuboJul. 10, 20242024 Copa America SemifinalsTBD (if qualified)Charlotte, NC (Bank of America Stadium)8 p.m.Fox SportsFuboJul. 14, 20242024 Copa America FinalTBD (if qualified)Miami, FL (Hard Rock Stadium)8 p.m.Fox SportsFubo

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Source link : https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/why-usa-playing-copa-america-2024-usmnt-mexico-canada/1679b8ead314f0697e9baedc Author : Publish date : 2024-06-23 00:01:04 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .