110 Years of the CONMEBOL Copa América™: The Oldest National Team Tournament in the World

• The CONMEBOL Copa América™ celebrates 110 years of history.
• The tournament was born in 1916 and marked the beginning of a competition that became a symbol of South American football.
• Uruguay was the first champion, and Argentina is the current two-time champion.

The CONMEBOL Copa América™ celebrates 110 years of history. Since its first edition in 1916, the tournament has established itself as one of the most important competitions in world football and as the oldest national team championship on the planet.

For more than a century, the Copa América has been the stage for great rivalries, unforgettable figures, historic goals, and moments that shaped the identity of South American football.

The Origin of a Historic Competition

The first edition was played in 1916 in Argentina, with the participation of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay.

That tournament was not only the starting point of the Copa América, but also a key moment for the organization of South American football. Uruguay was crowned champion of that first edition and began a story that would span generations.

More than a century of legends

Throughout its 110 years, the CONMEBOL Copa América™ has been a key player in the growth of football in South America.

Some of the greatest figures in history have graced its pitches: Pelé, Diego Maradona, Enzo Francescoli, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zizinho, Teófilo Cubillas, Carlos Valderrama, Gabriel Batistuta, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Luis Suárez, James Rodríguez, and many other stars who left their mark on the tournament.

Each edition has added new chapters to a competition that unites tradition, passion, and continental pride.

The tournament that unites South America

The CONMEBOL Copa América™ is much more than a sporting competition. It is a celebration of South American identity.

For 110 years, the tournament has brought together national teams, fans, cities, and generations around a shared passion: football.

From the continent's historic stadiums to the most recent editions, the Copa América has kept alive a tradition that is part of South America's collective memory.

Argentina, reigning two-time champion

The most recent edition, held in the United States in 2014, saw Argentina crowned champion.

The Albiceleste defeated Colombia in the final to secure their second consecutive title, following their victory in Brazil in 2011. With Lionel Messi as captain, Argentina lifted the trophy once again, adding another chapter to their rich history in the competition.

110 years of history and future

From 1916 to the present day, the CONMEBOL Copa América™ has accompanied the evolution of South American football and remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.

110 years after its inception, the competition continues to project its legacy into the future, with the same essence that gave it birth: historic national teams, great talents, and the unparalleled passion of South America.