History of the Copa América: South America’s Greatest Tournament

In fact, the history of the Copa América starts in 1916. Four nations met in Buenos Aires for the first South American championship. Since that small beginning, the tournament has grown into the oldest international continental football competition in the world still running. In fact, it has produced great champions, famous finals and unforgettable nights for fans across South America and beyond. Overall, Argentina lead the winners list with 16 titles, one clear of Uruguay. This guide follows the tournament from its first match in 1916 to Argentina’s 16th title in 2024. It covers the founding, the great teams, the record winners and the recent champions.

Last updated: November 2026

Quick Answer

• The history of the Copa América began in 1916, when Uruguay won the first title in Buenos Aires.
• Argentina lead the winners list with 16 titles, ahead of Uruguay with 15 and Brazil with 9.
• Only eight nations have ever won the tournament in 48 editions through 2024.
• Argentina won the two most recent titles, in 2021 and 2024.
• The tournament is the oldest international continental football competition in the world still running.

The history of the Copa América: how it began

First, the Confederation of South American Football, known as CONMEBOL, runs the Copa América. It is the main international men’s football competition in South America. In fact, it is the oldest international continental football competition in the world still running. In total, the tournament was first held in 1916, and 48 editions have been played between 1916 and 2024.

However, in the early years, the tournament carried a different name. It was called the South American Football Championship, or Campeonato Sudamericano de Fútbol. The name Copa América arrived much later, in 1975. For the story of the global game, read our History of the World Cup.

The first tournament in 1916

The first tournament took place in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, in July 1916. Argentina hosted it to mark 100 years of Argentine independence. In total, four nations took part: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

In the end, Uruguay won the first title, finishing ahead of hosts Argentina in the standings. For example, from 1916 to 1967, the tournament used a round-robin format with no single final match. The champion came from the league standings, so the team with the best record across the group took the title. As a result, that format shaped the early years of the tournament. Every match had a direct effect on the final table.

Uruguay: the first great dynasty

First, Uruguay set the standard in the early years of the tournament. For example, the Uruguayans won six of the first ten editions: 1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924 and 1926. In addition, they won again in 1935 and 1942, and they kept winning titles through the decades.

In fact, Uruguay’s early wins set the pattern for the history of the Copa América. They showed that a small nation could dominate South American football with strong organisation and fearless play. After that, other nations raised their level to catch them. Uruguay have 15 titles in total, and their last one came in 2011.

The history of the Copa América: a new name in 1975

Finally, the tournament took the name Copa América in 1975. A new format came with the new name. The tournament spread across the continent instead of staying in one host country. After that, the format changed again over the years. In the end, the modern tournament returned to a single host nation with a group stage and knockout rounds.

The rhythm of the tournament changed too. For example, in the early years, it was held almost every year. Later, it settled into a two-year cycle. However, in the modern era, it takes place every four years, with some irregular gaps along the way. As a result, the gap between editions has grown longer, and each tournament feels like a bigger event.

Brazil’s nine titles

In total, Brazil have won the Copa América nine times. Their titles came in 1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007 and 2019. In fact, their first title came in 1919, and they won again in 1922. After that, they waited 27 years for their next title, in 1949.

Brazil’s strongest run came in the modern era. They won in 1997 and 1999, then again in 2004 and 2007. Finally, their ninth title came in 2019, when they beat Peru 3-1 in the final in Rio de Janeiro. As a result, Brazil sit third in the all-time winners list, behind Argentina and Uruguay.

The history of the Copa América: Argentina’s record 16 titles

Overall, Argentina are the most successful nation in the tournament, with 16 titles. In total, they won in 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021 and 2024. They won twelve titles before 1960, and they added two more in 1991 and 1993. After that, they waited 28 years for their next title.

Finally, the wait ended in 2021. Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Maracanã, and Ángel Di María scored the only goal. In 2024, Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 after extra time in the final in Miami, USA. Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 112th minute. Argentina went into the 2024 final level with Uruguay on 15 titles. As a result, the win put them one clear at the top.

The most successful nations

Overall, in 48 editions through 2024, only eight nations have won the Copa América. The table shows how much Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil have dominated the tournament, with 40 titles between them.

Country	Copa América titles
Argentina	16
Uruguay	15
Brazil	9
Paraguay	2
Chile	2
Peru	2
Colombia	1
Bolivia	1

In fact, only eight of the ten CONMEBOL nations have ever won the tournament. Ecuador and Venezuela have never won it. Overall, as of November 2026, the settled titles through 2024 add up to 48.

The history of the Copa América: recent winners

Recent tournaments have produced tight finals and new chapters in old rivalries. First, Brazil won the 2019 title by beating Peru 3-1 in the final in Rio de Janeiro. After that, Argentina won the 2021 title by beating Brazil 1-0 in the final at the Maracanã. Ángel Di María scored the only goal.

Argentina won again in 2024, beating Colombia 1-0 after extra time in the final in Miami, USA. Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 112th minute. As a result, the two wins in a row gave Argentina their 15th and 16th titles. They moved one clear of Uruguay at the top of the winners list.

Guest teams and the modern format

Guest teams from outside South America have taken part in the Copa América since the 1990s. For example, Mexico, the USA, Japan and Qatar have all played as guests. The guests add new styles and new crowds to the tournament. They give South American teams different tests before the knockout rounds.

In total, the 2024 edition in the USA had 16 teams: the ten CONMEBOL nations plus six guests from CONCACAF. In addition, the bigger field gave the tournament a World Cup feel, and the final in Miami drew fans from across the Americas.

The history of the Copa América: why it matters

In fact, the history of the Copa América matters because the tournament belongs to the whole continent. It brings together the ten South American nations. In addition, every one of them gets a chance to lift the oldest continental trophy in world football. A title lifts a whole country, and a strong run can unite fans behind their team for weeks.

The tournament also matters for the rivalries it creates. For example, Argentina against Brazil, Uruguay against Argentina, and Chile against Peru all carry decades of history. Finally, for the story of Africa’s championship, read our History of AFCON.

Frequently asked questions about the history of the Copa América

These are the questions fans ask most about the history of the Copa América.

When did the Copa América begin?

In 1916. Uruguay won the first tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by finishing ahead of hosts Argentina in the round-robin standings.

Which country has won the Copa América the most times?

Argentina, with 16 titles. They won in 1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1991, 1993, 2021 and 2024.

Who won the most recent Copa América?

Argentina, who beat Colombia 1-0 after extra time in the 2024 final in Miami, USA. Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 112th minute.

How many teams play in the Copa América?

The 2024 edition had 16 teams: the ten CONMEBOL nations plus six guests from CONCACAF. Guest teams from outside South America have taken part since the 1990s.

Why is it called the Copa América?

The tournament was originally called the South American Football Championship. It was renamed Copa América in 1975.

Which nations have never won the Copa América?

Ecuador and Venezuela. Only eight of the ten CONMEBOL nations have ever won the tournament.

Conclusion

In short, the history of the Copa América runs from Uruguay’s first title in Buenos Aires in 1916 to Argentina’s 16th in 2024. Overall, Argentina’s 16 titles set the standard, Uruguay’s 15 keep them close behind, and Brazil’s nine complete the great three. As a result, from four teams in 1916 to 16 teams in 2024, the tournament has grown into South America’s greatest football event. The next tournament lies ahead, and fans across South America will watch it with the same passion as always. Finally, for more football stories, visit our Sports News page. Follow the next matches on our free live scores page, and see ideas for upcoming matches on our free football predictions page.