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CBF Proposes to Host the 2024 Libertadores Final in the USA

By Arthur Fernandes

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - NOVEMBER 27: Felipe Melo of Palmeiras holds the the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Champions trophy after the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2021 between Palmeiras and Flamengo at Centenario Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Palmeiras defeated Flamengo by 2-1 in extra time. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - NOVEMBER 27: Felipe Melo of Palmeiras holds the the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores Champions trophy after the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2021 between Palmeiras and Flamengo at Centenario Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Palmeiras defeated Flamengo by 2-1 in extra time. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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As the excitement around South American soccer continues to grow, a recent proposal by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to host the 2024 Libertadores final in the United States has sparked both curiosity and debate within the international football community. The CBF’s forward-thinking initiative, presented to the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) in October, aims to leverage the rising interest in soccer in the US, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across North America.

The proposal, put forth by CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues, underscores the potential financial benefits for national federations, capitalizing on the substantial revenue streams associated with holding such a prestigious event on American soil. With the US already slated to co-host the 2026 World Cup, the timing seems ripe for showcasing the fervor and passion of South American soccer to an increasingly captivated American audience.

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR – OCTOBER 29: Éverton Ribeiro of Flamengo and teammates lift the trophy after winning the final of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2022 between Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense at Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo on October 29, 2022 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR – OCTOBER 29: Éverton Ribeiro of Flamengo and teammates lift the trophy after winning the final of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2022 between Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense at Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo on October 29, 2022 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

However, this ambitious move has not been without its share of contention. Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez has voiced the importance of distributing the hosting privileges among other South American countries, underscoring the need for equitable opportunities within the continent. While the debate around the venue for the 2024 final remains ongoing, it is clear that both the CBF and Conmebol are committed to expanding the global footprint of South American soccer.

The recent discussions also shed light on the challenges faced in hosting significant football events, as highlighted by the Conmebol’s refusal to allow the Maracanã Stadium to host a crucial Flamengo match for a duration of 13 days. This impasse has prompted the CBF to seek alternative solutions, leading to the proposition of relocating the Libertadores final to the United States.

Amidst these developments, it is imperative for American soccer enthusiasts to recognize the growing importance of South American football and its potential impact on the global sports landscape. With the proposal representing a significant step towards internationalizing the sport, it remains to be seen whether the 2024 Libertadores final will indeed find its home in the United States, marking a monumental chapter in the history of South American soccer.

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