Qatar and Four More Guest Teams Confirmed for Copa America 2019
Apr 5, 2018, by Pat
Due to CONMEBOL having only 10 member states, which isn't an ideal number of teams for tournaments, there's been a long history of 'external' teams taking part in the Copa Americas throughout the years.
It's now been revealed that, apart from the usual candidates, 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar will also take part in the 2019 Copa America, which will take place in Brazil.
Iván Bravo, director of Aspire, a sports academy in Qatar, said as much at an event this week, stating that the prospect of facing the likes of Argentina and Brazil will a "unique opportunity" to gain experience ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Globo Esporte was able to confirm the story.
Besides Qatar, four more guest teams have been confirmed thus far: China, Japan, Mexico and the United States. A sixth team is still to be announced.
The 2019 Copa America will be the last edition played on odd years. Starting in 2020, the tournament will be held in the same year as similar tournaments such as the UEFA Euro. Additionally, the format will be changed so that teams from both CONMEBOL and CONCACAF will participate. This should render the need to invite guest teams obsolete. The 2020 edition will be hosted by the USA.
Are you happy to see Qatar take part in next year's Copa America? Comment below.
Fortuna Sittard 26-27 Cup Kit Released - Sponsorless 1957 Tribute
Dutch Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard and technical supplier Robey have officially revealed a special cup kit for the 26-27 campaign. Created in collaboration with design agency 51North, this release marks the very first dedicated cup kit in the club's history. It serves as a direct tribute to predecessor club Fortuna '54, who won the 1957 KNVB Beker with a memorable Bram Appel hat-trick against Feyenoord.
The Robey Fortuna Sittard 26-27 cup shirt faithfully revives the historic look with a white base highlighted by broad horizontal red and blue stripes across the chest, completing the Dutch tricolor. In true vintage fashion, the jersey comes with long sleeves as standard and features a retro polo collar. Club sponsors voluntarily stepped aside to allow a completely clean, sponsorless front, while the Robey branding and club badge are subtly embroidered in tonal white to maintain the authentic aesthetic.
Additional bespoke details round off the historic tribute. A heritage Fortuna '54 tag sits near the bottom hem, and an embroidered depiction of the KNVB Cup sits neatly below the back collar, added with official federation approval. The shirt is worn with matching white shorts and socks, completing a timeless look for Fortuna's cup run.
FIFA ASEAN Cup Features Same Left-Sleeve Kit Badge as in 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
The opening match between Laos and Brunei provided a full reveal of the sleeve patch pairing for the inaugural FIFA-organized Southeast Asian tournament.
Moving away from the previously expected navy blue, the official tournament patches feature a clean white base. Most notably, the "Football Unites the World" sleeve patch on the left arm is the exact same design that made a single, exclusive appearance at the recent World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.
Big thanks to @What The Kit for spotting and making the collage.
Adidas River Plate 1996 Long-Sleeve Remake Kit Leaked
We can leak two images of the long-sleeve remake edition of the upcoming Adidas River Plate 1996 remake home kit, offering another look at the faithful recreation of the iconic design worn during River's 1996 Copa Libertadores triumph. The jersey features the club's traditional white base complemented by the famous red diagonal sash and an all-over tonal pattern of club shields and motifs. Authentic 1990s detailing completes the retro aesthetic, including a striped polo collar, a centered Adidas wordmark, the vintage CARP crest on the chest, a stitched sleeve badge, and classic three-stripe bands wrapped around both sleeves.