The Copa America was originally known as the South American Championship, where only South American nations would compete every several years for the title. Throughout the history of Copa America, the tournament occurs two to every three years, as the rules have fluctuated over time. 

This also led to the involvement of guest teams who would soon join the pool of South American nations eligible to play in the tournament. The USA was invited to its first official Copa America ever in 1991. Throughout this article, we’ll break down the Copa America history and describe the several Copa America editions the US Men’s National Team has played in and their differences.

Copa America History: Copa America’s Involving the USMNT

Ecuador 1993

This was the first time the South American Copa America involved guest nations in Copa America history. The US would partake in their first tournament appearance after joining the CONMEBOL’s ten nations of teams along with Mexico. The USMNT was placed in Group A, competing against host nation Ecuador and participating nations Uruguay and Venezuela.

Having lost two games and only tying Venezuela 3-3, the United States National team would finish last in their group and head home with only one point.

Uruguay 1995

For the second time in Copa America history, the United States Men’s National team was invited to the 12-team tournament in 1995. This time, things were looking up for the red, white, and blue, having won their first game against Chile 2-1. Although stumbling against Bolivia soon after in a 1-0 loss, the USMNT took out Argentina in a 3-0 win that would put them at the top of their group.

This led to an incredible quarterfinal match between the rival nations of the USA and Mexico, ending in a 4-1 penalty shootout win for the U.S. after scoreless regulation. Unfortunately, the USMNT was halted by Brazil in a 1-0 loss during the semi-finals, ultimately placing them in a third-place match where they would go on to lose 4-1 against Colombia.

Venezuela 2007

During the 2007 season, Mexico and the U.S. were invited once again to the Copa America. The United States initially declined the invite to avoid overlapping schedules with the MLS but ultimately decided to play. 

Looking back, this may not have been their best decision, as they would be knocked out early on with 0 points, a 4-1 loss against Argentina, a 1-0 loss to Colombia, and a 3-1 loss to Paraguay. This was one of the worst tournament performances by the USMNT in modern soccer and Copa America history.

USA 2016

Out of all the mentioned Copa Americas, the 2016 one was the first to take place outside of a South American Nation. The U.S.A., being the host nation, would not have to play any qualifying matches, essentially allowing them into the tournament with a fresh team and minimal wear and tear.

Things did not start well, as Colombia would go on to win the first game 2-0, but the U.S. would turn around and win their next against Costa Rica 4-0. Then, they’d get revenge on Paraguay, narrowly defeating them 1-0, putting the U.S. into the quarterfinals position again. It was at this point that the USMNT would go the furthest they have in the Copa America tournament to date, beating the previous host nation Ecuador and moving on to the semi-finals.

In the end, Argentina would be impossible to beat, winning the game 4-0 and knocking the U.S. out of their most recent South American tournament.

The United States of course returned to the Copa America in 2024 as the host of the competition, although sadly this time the results didn’t go their way.