photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
Conmebol's Copa America is the oldest international continental tournament in soccer, and 2016 will mark its 100th birthday.
That could also be the year that many American soccer fans have a dream come true.
According to Mexican outlet mediotiempo.com, CONCACAF president Alfredo Hawit said during a recent stop in Mexico that an 18-team tournament consisting of teams from CONCACAF and Conmebol is being planned for 2016.
With no Gold Cup or Copa America scheduled for that year, officials are proposing the Copa America's centennial be celebrated with a tournament comprised of 10 Conmebol teams and eight from CONCACAF. There was no explanation on which eight teams would represent CONCACAF, but the United States and Mexico seem all but guaranteed to be included.
There also was no further comment made as to what the teams would play for. Both regions are scheduled to have their respective regular tournaments in 2015, and those are typically the ones with Confederations Cup berths on the line.
Hawit also said permanently inviting Brazil to future Gold Cups, starting with the one in 2013, is being contemplated.
——-