In an exciting announcement made by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) on Monday, it was revealed that the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta has been chosen as the venue for the opening match of Copa América 2024. The tournament, which is the top National Team competition in South America, will be held in the United States.

The highly anticipated opening match is set to take place on June 20 next summer, signaling the kickoff of the 48th edition of the oldest soccer competition for National Teams worldwide. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, renowned as the home ground for Major League Soccer's Atlanta United, promises to provide a grand stage for the inaugural clash.

Traditionally featuring a total of 10 South American national teams affiliated to CONMEBOL, next year's Copa América will also welcome six national teams from CONCACAF, as part of a 16-team tournament. The teams from CONCACAF will be determined based on their performance in the CONCACAF Nations League during the 2023-2024 season.

Argentina, the reigning Copa América champions, secured their fifteenth title in 2021 at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final. The tournament also holds significance for Argentina as they enter as the current FIFA World Cup champions, with their midfielder from Atlanta United, Thiago Almada, becoming the first active MLS player to win the prestigious title.

Argentina and Uruguay currently share the record for the most Copa América titles with 15 each, followed closely by Brazil with nine. Paraguay, Chile, and Peru have each triumphed twice, while Colombia and Bolivia have won the tournament once.

Scheduled to run from June 20 to July 14, Copa América USA 2024 will mark the second time the tournament takes place in the United States. The previous edition in 2016, known as Copa América Centenario, was held to celebrate the competition's centennial and saw Chile emerge as victors.

Excitement is building as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium not only prepares to host the opening match of Copa América 2024 but also eagerly awaits its role as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With an impressive lineup of matches and the anticipation of witnessing South America's finest teams compete on American soil, soccer enthusiasts around the world are eagerly counting down the days until the tournament begins.