CONCACAF–CONMEBOL Integration: How a 2023 shift redefined soccer in the Americas | OneFootball

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have continually lived in separate universes — 41 nations across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean on one side; 10 South American countries on the other. But since 2023, the relationship has shifted from a diplomatic to a structural one. What began as cooperation has become technical, commercial, and competitive integration, already reshaping the soccer ecosystem across the hemisphere.

It is not a formal merger — not yet. But every signal points in that direction.

What Actually Changed After 2023

A strategic agreement signed two years ago opened the door to joint calendars, unified commercial products and cross-confederation competitions at three levels.

1. Men’s National Teams

The 2024 Copa América, hosted in the United States, brought together all 10 South American nations plus six CONCACAF qualifiers through the Nations League pathway.

The 2024 Copa América hosted in the United States brought together all 10 South American nations plus six CONCACAF qualifiers through the Nations League pathway.

The goals were explicit: raise competitive standards before the 2026 World Cup and maximize a premium tournament positioned in the world’s largest sports market.

2. Women’s National Teams

USA vs. Italy at Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida, USA (@shotsby.lucas / Pitchside USA)

The 2024 W Gold Cup included Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay in a whole cross-confederation tournament.

The immediate impact: more high-level matches, broader visibility, and professional conditions that many emerging programs previously lacked.

3. Clubs

The confederations discussed an intercontinental Final Four: two Libertadores clubs vs. two Concacaf Champions Cup qualifiers.

Purpose: create real rivalries, deepen scouting, and accelerate technical exchange between MLS and South America’s elite clubs.

Victor Montagliani (CONCACAF) has described the integration as “mutually beneficial” — alignment without erasing identities.

Copa América 2028 in the United States?

Recent reporting from outlets such as The Athletic confirms that CONCACAF and CONMEBOL are in active negotiations to return the Copa América to U.S. soil in 2028, repeating the 10+6 model.