It could be a busy summer of international soccer in the United States this summer, with a report out of South America that the delayed Copa America tournament could find its way north.
#CopaAmérica in USA picking up momentum!
The crisis in Argentina due to the pandemic has been crazy, with health and soccer officials coming out and saying to either move or suspend the tournament. Conmebol has begun to take USA as a serious option.— Diego Montalvan (@DMontalvan) May 25, 2021
Previously known as the South American Football Championship, the current Copa America event was scheduled to take place last year but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planned to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina, the tournament already has been adjusted to take place only in Argentina because of political strife in Colombia. A COVID-19 outbreak in Argentina is now threatening to create additional schedule changes.
Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela all have offered to play a role in hosting the event. But a report from Blu Radio in Colombia said a move to the United States is gaining momentum.
The U.S. did play host to the tournament in 2016 and is the only non-member of the region to have held the event on its soil. Chile defeated Argentina in penalty kicks to win the 2016 title at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Heartbreak for Messi
Copa America glory for ChileThe two penalties that defined the 2016 final... pic.twitter.com/eln8yw29A0— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 13, 2020
According to the report, if Copa America is held in the United States, it would not take place in any cities playing host to Gold Cup games. The Gold Cup final is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Las Vegas. Glendale, Ariz., Kansas City, Kan., Houston, Orlando and Dallas will play host to games, as will Texas cities, Frisco, Arlington and Austin.
