Copa America eyeing move to United States

Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during the Copa America football tournament third-place match against Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 6, 2019. [Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP]

It could be a busy summer of international soccer in the United States this summer, with a report out of South America that the delayed Copa America tournament could find its way north.

Previously known as the South American Football Championship, the current Copa America event was scheduled to take place last year but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planned to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina, the tournament already has been adjusted to take place only in Argentina because of political strife in Colombia. A COVID-19 outbreak in Argentina is now threatening to create additional schedule changes.

Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela all have offered to play a role in hosting the event. But a report from Blu Radio in Colombia said a move to the United States is gaining momentum.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez, left, and Diego Godin celebrate in a past match. [AP Photo/Andre Penner]

The U.S. did play host to the tournament in 2016 and is the only non-member of the region to have held the event on its soil. Chile defeated Argentina in penalty kicks to win the 2016 title at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

According to the report, if Copa America is held in the United States, it would not take place in any cities playing host to Gold Cup games. The Gold Cup final is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Las Vegas. Glendale, Ariz., Kansas City, Kan., Houston, Orlando and Dallas will play host to games, as will Texas cities, Frisco, Arlington and Austin.