Copa América, the world’s oldest national tournament, boasts a storied legacy with soccer legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi gracing its fields. Held across the U.S. in June 2024, the tournament serves not only as a celebration of football excellence but as another catalyst for the rapid growth of soccer in the United States.
If you’re a U.S. or Canadian sports broadcaster, app, publisher or sponsor, here are 5 reasons why your audience will be wild for soccer this June. Stats Perform can help you capture the excitement and create magic with your Copa América coverage! Read on to learn how.
1. Games are Accessible to Fans Across the Country
Copa América matches will be hosted in 14 venues across the United States: four stadiums on the West Coast, five stadiums Centrally and 5 stadiums on the East Coast. When the U.S. hosted the 2016 Copa América, they averaged a whopping 46,000 fans attending per game. And with 92% of U.S. fans interested in the tournament even after their team loses, the widespread access to games across the country gives all fans the opportunity to engage with the tournament like they never have before.
2. Amazing Teams and National Pride
The Copa América is historically a CONMEBOL (South America) tournament, but now combined with teams from the CONCACAF – U.S.A., Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Costa Rica and for the first time, Canada. Our national heroes will be taking on the worlds best, in our own backyard!
3. The Highest Quality Soccer
The 2024 Copa América will feature the best teams in global soccer. Including the current FIFA World Cup Champion (Argentina), Olympic gold medalist (Brazil), Under-20 Champion (Uruguay) and current Champion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup (Mexico). In total, the participating teams have won 10 World Cups. Not to mention the caliber of legacy and on the rise players we’ll get to see like Leon Bailey, Luis Díaz, and of course, Lionel Messi.
4. What About Messi?
Copa América 2024 will likely be Messi’s last dance and possibly his last major tournament. It’s an incredible opportunity for U.S. soccer fans to watch him in action one last time. Argentina’s group games are already sold out as a result. Messi transcends sports and is a household name – he will be front and center in fans’ minds come June. And, he’s facing Canada in the opening game!
5. Key Talking Points Fans Are Already Discussing:
- Can Argentina defend their current Copa América and World Cup titles?
- Can Brazil recover form and what impact will their new coach have?
- Can Uruguay (and their new coach) live up to their legacy, being the joint most successful team in Copa América history alongside Argentina?
- Can Mexico and the United States prove that they are competitive teams outside of the CONCACAF?
- How will Canada stack up against Messi and Argentina in the opening match of the tournament?
How can Stats Perform help your coverage stand out?
Stats Perform and Stats Perform’s Opta Data is the official data and content provider for the copaamerica.com website and for the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. Stats Perform and Opta are the most robust sources of data and content in international soccer coverage.
Want to learn more?
Watch the recording of our webinar, ‘Storytelling Tools to Transform Major Soccer Tournament Coverage.’ Discover how our latest products and our expert research teams can support and enhance your Copa América coverage.
Plus, watch the webinar and receive a free sample of our Copa América Tournament Preview Pack, packed with in-depth analysis and insights to enrich your Copa América experience. Or contact us here to speak to one of our friendly team members!
