Qatar and Four More Guest Teams Confirmed for Copa America 2019
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.
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