By RYAN TOLMICH
The worst-kept soccer secret in the Americas looks like it will finally be revealed this week when CONCACAF and CONMEBOL will hold a press conference that is expected to discuss the long rumored Copa America 2016 coming to United States soil.
The press conference, which will take place Thursday in Miami, is expected to feature CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, CONMEBOL president Eugenio Figueredo and “a number of internationally renowned” representatives from each region.
The 2016 tournament, which will be the competition’s 100th edition, is expected to include the United States, Mexico and four other CONCACAF sides in addition to the 10 nations that make on South America’s CONMEBOL.
According to a report from beIN Sports, the four additional CONCACAF spots would go to the champions of the Central American UNCAF Cup and the winners of the upcoming Caribbean Cup, as well as the two best finishers among the rest of the teams in next summer’s Gold Cup.
Rumors of the United States hosting the tournament have persisted for years, but the United States Soccer Federation and CONCACAF had previously stated that there were logistical issues that would need to be worked out. The tournament, which usually takes place in July, would conflict with the MLS regular season, the 2016 Summer Olympics and, potentially, World Cup Qualifying.
The most recent edition of the tournament took place in 2011 with Uruguay being crowned champions. The next competition is scheduled to take place in 2015 in Chile.
What do you think of a U.S.-hosted Copa America? Excited for the tournament? Plan to attend?
Share your thoughts below.