New CONCACAF-CONMEBOL agreement gives Canada games against top-tier opposition

Canada is getting its wish to play more top-tier competition ahead of the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup.

CONCACAF, the confederation covering North and Central America and the Caribbean, and South America’s CONMEBOL have signed an agreement to “strengthen and develop” soccer in both regions. The deal includes men’s and women’s national team competitions and a new men’s club tournament.

The U.S. will host Copa America, the South American championship, in the summer of 2024 with 10 CONMEBOL teams plus the six best CONCACAF teams as guests.

The six CONCACAF entries will be decided via the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League.

On the women’s side, CONCACAF has invited the top four CONMEBOL teams to take part in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. The 12-team tournament will be played in the U.S.