Copa América 2028 Could Return to the US, With Mexico as a Special Guest

The ink is not dry and no signatures have been exchanged, but the rumor is already making the rounds in the hallways of Concacaf and Conmebol: the Copa América could return to the United States in 2028, and this time with Mexico fully involved as a special guest.

The idea is not new. According to sources consulted, the project has been on the table for both confederations for about a year and is already known to several federations, though the final details are still being ironed out before anyone commits to making it official.

Where did this all come from? The initial report was published by the newspaper The Time, which states that negotiations are already in their final stretch. And it is not just about repeating the same formula: there is also said to be a proposal on the table to expand the tournament, growing it from 16 to 20 national teams. Under that new format, Mexico and the United States would be virtually guaranteed spots, joined by several more Concacaf sides to round out the groups.

A Romance With Deep Roots

The Copa América being played on US soil is nothing new. It all began in 2016, when Concacaf and Conmebol agreed to host the Centenario edition in the country. Years later, in 2024, the tournament returned and was widely regarded as a commercial success, while also serving as a dress rehearsal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Still, that edition was not without its headaches: there were reports of logistical and security problems right around the final between Colombia and Argentina, a match that Argentina's Albiceleste ultimately won.

Now, looking ahead to 2028, the challenge is not just athletic but logistical as well. If the Copa América is confirmed for that year, organizers will need to build a schedule that avoids clashing with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, so that neither event ends up overshadowed.

Mexico Looks for Its Rematch

For the Mexican national team, this possible return feels like a shot at redemption. Its last Copa América appearance came in 2024, when it was eliminated in the group stage, in a group it shared with Venezuela, Ecuador and Jamaica.

If Concacaf and Conmebol ultimately manage to close the deal, El Tri would get a chance in 2028 to erase that bad memory and, in the process, play practically at home, surrounded by its own fans. The federations still need to sign off, but the excitement is already building.