The Copa America Centenario USA 2016, the biggest soccer tournament the United States has hosted since the 1994 World Cup, announced the 10 venues that will host matches next summer earlier today. The Centenario – the 100th anniversary of the Copa America – will be taking place outside of South America for the first time in history. The tournament runs from June 3rd through June 26th.
The host metropolitan areas and respective stadiums are:
Boston (Gillette Stadium)
Chicago (Soldier Field)
Houston (NRG Stadium)
Los Angeles (Rose Bowl)
New York (MetLife Stadium)
Orlando (Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium)
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium)
San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium)
Seattle (CenturyLink Field
24 cities submitted bids to host matches. CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee made the final decision on the venues.
“The 10 host cities of Copa America Centenario 2016 will provide the perfect stage to unite the American continents in a unique celebration of the football history and talent in the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL regions,” said Alfredo Hawit, President of CONCACAF. “We are certain that the host country and the U.S. Soccer Federation, in their roles, will not only display the growing passion for the sport, but also contribute to expanding the legacy and magnitude of this tournament by providing a memorable experience for the whole footballing community.”
2016’s edition of the South American Championship with feature six teams from CONCACAF and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL. From CONCACAF, host United States and Mexico are automatic qualifiers, while Costa Rica (2014 Central American Cup winner) and Jamaica (2014 CFU Caribbean Cup winner) qualified with regional championships last year.
The final 2 teams from CONCACAF will be determined on January 8 when Trinidad and Tobago face Haiti and Panama plays Cuba with the winner advancing to the Centenario.
“Football is the most marvelous sport in the world,” said CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout. “For us, it’s truly a source of pride to be able to bring to the United States this unparalleled event – the Copa America Centenario, the oldest national team tournament in the world.”
