Canada, Mexico, and the United States, all part of CONCACAF, could possibly take part of the 2024 Copa America. The three teams are hosting the 2026 World Cup and are looking for find more formidable competition leading up to the tournament.

As hosts, the trio has already obviously qualified for the next World Cup. These teams would not need to go through the lengthy process to determine their place in the competition. This would mean that they would also have plenty of time on their schedules for matches.

UEFA Nations League has blocked big friendlies

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa claimed that his team “can’t just play friendlies in the U.S.” The aforementioned trio would benefit from playing top teams in the FIFA rankings. As the UEFA Nations League has limited other teams around the globe from scheduling friendlies against European countries, the next step may be to head south.

The Copa America, the major tournament in South America, features some of the best teams in the world. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile are all scheduled to take part in the 2024 competition. Many experts say that the U.S., Canada and Mexico should ask to be involved in the tournament. This includes ESPN’s Taylor Twellman.

Twellman makes claim for CONCACAF nations in 2024 Copa America

“In order for CONCACAF to compete at the highest of levels at the World Cup they have to find better competition,” claimed Twellman. “The UEFA Nations League killed the friendly circuit for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. I’d love to see them compete in Copa America and having done so myself it’s such a tougher spot to play than the Gold Cup.”

As Twellman said, the trio’s involvement in the Copa America is not necessarily ridiculous to suggest. The tournament regularly features teams from outside of South America. In fact, the 2019 Copa America featured Japan and Qatar. Suggestions have even claimed that up to six teams from around the world could be invited for the 2024 tournament. This would obviously be more than enough space to make room for the CONCACAF trio.

Any possible involvement of the three nations would need approval from FIFA, CONCACAF, and CONMEBOL. FIFA vice president Victory Montagliani recently told FOX Sports that the governing body of the sport is working with the trio to find more competition.

“We’re working with our three host countries to align our calendars to give them enough space not just for friendlies but for proper competitions,” said Montagliani. “We’re always open to hosting big events in CONCACAF.”

Mexico has already featured in the Copa America nine different times. The U.S. has also made three appearances as well. Canada, however, has never played in the South American tournament before.

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