Since South America only has 10 countries*, the South American Federation typically invites other countries to play in its top soccer tournament. Apparently the USMNT has an open invitation to play, but always declines. Why? Playing would give them regular experience against some of the world’s best teams and players. Continuing to beat up on Panama and Honduras won’t get US soccer to threaten the giants. But playing against Argentina and Brazil could. Besides friendlies, the team currently never competes against South America’s and Europe’s best teams outside of the World Cup.
*For some reason, Guyana and Suriname don’t count as South American for soccer purposes.
They (USA) don’t have a say in it. It’s COMNBOL’s Tournament and they invite two CONCACAF teams to fill out the field. Mexico seems to be one of them by default, and the other rotates among other strong CONCACAF teams.
During the Colombia-Brazil game, the BEIN announcer said that they asked the US so many times and we’re denied that they stopped asking. It makes sense that they’d prefer the American audience, and all the dollars that come with it over Jamaica. The US and Mexico would be the obvious CONCACAF choices.
Yes, next year, assuming that past FIFA shenanigans don’t somehow get it cancelled. But that one is a one-off as the Copa is meant to be a 4-year tournament like the World Cup or Euros.
I don’t think the USMNT was invited to the 2011 Copa or 2015 Copa as in 2007 they sent a very much under-strength squad which pissed-off CONMEBOL. The reason they risked the wrath of CONMEBOL in 2007 is that they were focused on winning the Gold Cup, which finished a couple of days before the Copa started and meant qualification for the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Right, I understand that Mexico sent its ‘B’ team this time around to save it’s best players for the Gold Cup. But to me, even a semi-final appearance in the Copa America beats a Gold Cup win.
Undoubtedly the Copa America has much more prestige and better opponents, etc. But this probably the Confederations Cup coming into play again as Mexico need to win the Gold Cup to have a chance of playing in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
It was to be played in the US as part of its 100th anniversary. Its in grave danger partly because of the scandal. Last I checked we are a year off and no stadiums have even been booked and no TV deal signed.