photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
At long last, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have made an announcement regarding the widely-speculated 2016 Copa America Centenario.
The two federations announced at a press conference in Miami on Thursday morning that the 45th edition of the Copa America will be played in the United States on the 100th anniversary of the inaugural 1916 tournament. The competition, which will run from June 3-26, will mark the first time that the Copa America is played outside of South America.
Not currently on FIFA’s international schedule, the Copa America Centenario will be comprised of the 10 CONMEBOL teams and six sides from CONCACAF. The United States and Mexico are CONCACAF teams assured of places in the tournament, and they will be joined by the 2014 Caribbean Cup and Central American Cup champions.
The final two CONCACAF spots will be filled after a four-team playoff. The four countries to advance furthest in the 2015 Gold Cup that are not already qualified for the 2016 Copa America will do battle in playoff matches and that will determine CONCACAF’s final two places.
The venues for the tournament have not yet been decided. Cities interested in hosting matches will be able to bid on them in the future.
CONMEBOL president Eugenio Figueredo said Thursday that while the tournament is not currently on FIFA’s schedule, the two federations are hoping that it will be by the time the tournament kicks off.
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