The 2024 Copa America, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international football, is set to make a splash with its final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This announcement marks a significant milestone, as the tournament will adopt an expanded format and include teams beyond its traditional South American participants.
Scheduled to begin on June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which boasts a capacity of 71,000, the tournament will progress to the climactic final on July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. This stadium, known as the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, can accommodate around 65,000 spectators and is poised to provide an electric atmosphere for the grand finale.
Alejandro Dominguez, the president of CONMEBOL, South America’s governing football body, expressed anticipation of stadiums brimming with the passion of fans from across the American continent. This enthusiasm is expected to be a driving force from the opening match in Atlanta to the final showdown in Miami.
The expanded format of the 2024 Copa America is a significant evolution for the tournament, as it will feature six additional teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean, alongside the usual 10 teams from South America. This inclusive approach aims to elevate the competition’s profile and create a more diverse and thrilling football spectacle.
The decision to host the final in Miami and the opening in Atlanta is also strategic, considering both venues will play a role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These stadiums are no strangers to big events and are expected to provide world-class facilities for the Copa America matches.
The 2024 edition will be only the second time the Copa America has been held outside South America, following the centenary edition in 2016, which also took place in the United States. That tournament saw Chile triumph over Argentina in a memorable final.
Victor Montagliani, the president of the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), highlighted the passion of sports and football fans in the host cities, known for their enthusiastic support of major events.
As excitement builds, the official Copa America draw is set to take place in Miami on December 7, where teams will learn their group stage opponents. The 2024 Copa America promises to be a landmark event, bringing together a diverse array of teams and fans, and showcasing the rich footballing culture of the Americas.
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